Infant simulator

ABSTRACT

An infant simulator comprising a mannequin having a temperature sensor effective for sensing the environmental temperatures to which the mannequin is exposed, and a means effective for recording the sensed temperature.

This application is continuation of application Ser. No. 10/387,792,filed Mar. 13, 2003, which is a divisional of application Ser. No.09/555,840, filed Jul. 24, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,980, which isthe national-phase application of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US98/25776, filed Dec. 4, 1998 and published as WO 99/29384 on Jun.17, 1999, which claims continuation-in-part priority to application Ser.No. 08/986,835, filed Dec. 8, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,321.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention broadly relates to the field of simulated parenting. Morespecifically, the invention relates to infant simulators used ineducational programs for educating prospective parents about therealities of parenthood and assisting in the education and training ofpersonnel in the child-care field.

BACKGROUND

Teen-age pregnancy is an ever increasing problem. Teen-age parents,surveyed as to why they elected to have a baby, gave such reasons as“babies are so cute,” “I wanted attention,” and “I needed someone tolove and love me back.” Such romantic feelings toward having a babyalmost never include an understanding of the responsibilities imposed bya baby, including loss of sleep, loss of freedom, the need for constantattention, etc. Attempts to educate teen-agers about the trials andtribulations of caring for an infant and raising a child, using thetraditional educational methods of lectures and readings, are rarelysuccessful.

Some resourceful educators, realizing that traditional educationalmethods are inadequate, have attempted to demonstrate the carerequirements of an infant by requiring students to carry a sack offlour, an egg or a plant for several days. While somewhat exemplary ofthe care requirements of an infant, such programs do not fairlyrepresent the care requirements of an actual infant and have proven tobe of limited success.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,190,038 issued to Kardon, 3,490,170 issued to Wolf,3,514,899 issued to Bonanno et al., 4,115,948 issued to Burks and5,094,644 issued to Kelley describe dolls that will wet a diaper afterbeing fed from a bottle. The dolls described in Kardon and Wolf eachinclude electrical circuitry capable of initiating crying when a diaperon the doll is sufficiently wetted after being fed from a bottle, andterminating such crying upon removal of the wetted diaper. Similarly,the doll described in Bonanno et al. further includes electricalcircuitry capable of initiating crying when the doll is diapered and abottle is removed from the mouth of the doll, and terminating suchcrying by removing the diaper from the doll. Such dolls are not usefulfor educating students about the trials and tribulations of caring foran infant as the feeding and wetting cycle, with or without crying, isunder control of the user. The student, unless under constantsupervision by an educator, can feed and change the doll on a scheduleselected by the student.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,338 issued to Wexler discloses a doll which emits acrying sound when a manually operated switch is actuated. The user mustthen determine which of several switches, labeled with such actions asfeeding, diaper changing or back patting, will turn off the cryingsound. While interesting as a plaything, this doll suffers from the samedrawback as the “feed and wet” dolls in that activation of crying isunder control of the user. The student, unless under constantsupervision by an educator, can activate crying on a schedule selectedby the student.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,911 issued to Klose et al. discloses a doll whichcan operate in two different modes. In a first mode, the doll emitsdifferent sounds based upon which of several switches, located atvarious positions on the body of the doll, is actuated (e.g., actuationof the mouth switch produces “yum-yum,” while actuation of the backswitch produces “aahh”). In a second mode the doll emits a sound and theuser must then determine which of the switches will turn off the cryingsound and produce a satisfaction signal, such as “mommy.” The user candeactivate the doll by pressing a specified switch on the doll or simplyfailing to activate the proper switch within a given time period. Again,while interesting as a plaything, this doll suffers from the samedrawback as the “feed and wet” dolls in that activation and deactivationof the doll is under control of the user. The student, unless underconstant supervision by an educator, can activate and deactivate thedoll on a schedule selected by the student.

A particularly useful infant simulator system for use in educatingstudents about the care requirements of an infant is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,443,388 issued to Jurmain et al. and assigned to the assigneeof this application. The patent discloses an infant simulator capable ofcrying at intervals, with the crying continuing until a care key isinserted into the infant simulator and continuously held in positionagainst a biasing means for a defined time period. The crying schedulemay be changed to simulate a healthy, sick or ideal infant. A tremblormay be included to cause the infant to shake at intervals for purposesof simulating a drug-affected infant. The infant simulator can alsoinclude indicators showing rough handling, improper positioning and thedetection of a loud sound. The care key may include a means for securingthe key to an assigned individual.

While the infant simulator described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,388 and soldunder the trademark BABY THINK IT OVER® has proven extremely useful asan educational tool, a continuing need exists for an improved infantsimulator capable of realistically demonstrating the variety of needsand care requirements of an infant, as well as the positive aspects ofcaring for and loving an infant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The infant simulator includes a variety of features designed to emulatethe care requirements of an infant. The infant simulator can be designedand programmed with any combination of the described features, includingthe ability to selectively activate and deactivate individual featuresfor each assignment period. The infant simulator is equipped to recordand report the quality of care and responsiveness of a person caring forthe infant simulator and/or signal the person caring for the infantsimulator when care is required.

The features can be conveniently grouped into the categories of (i)environmental events, (ii) demand events, and (iii) ancillary features.

Environmental Events Indirectly Induced

Temperature Sensor

Infants should not be exposed to temperature extremes. The infantsimulator can be equipped with a temperature sensor capable of sensingthe environmental temperatures to which the infant simulator is exposed.

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is further equipped with asystem for recording and reporting the sensed temperature. In a secondembodiment, the infant simulator is further equipped with a system forgenerating a perceptible thermal exposure signal when the sensedtemperature falls above or below a defined acceptable temperature range.A preferred embodiment combines both the recording/reporting andsignaling systems so that the person caring for the infant simulator isadvised when the environmental temperature has reached an unacceptablelevel, and the recorded information can be reviewed by a programadministrator upon completion of the assignment.

Smoke Detector

Infants should not be exposed to smoke. The infant simulator can beequipped with a smoke detector capable of sensing environmental smokefrom such sources as a bonfire, fireplace, cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with a systemfor recording and reporting instances of detected exposures to smoke. Ina second embodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with a system forgenerating a perceptible smoke exposure signal when smoke is detected. Apreferred embodiment combines both the recording/reporting and signalingsystems so that the student caring for the infant simulator is advisedwhen smoke is detected and the recorded information can be reviewed by aprogram administrator upon completion of the assignment.

Sunlight Sensor

Infants should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The eyes of an infantcannot accommodate the intensity of direct sunlight, nor can the skin ofan infant withstand any significant exposure to the sun withoutirritating the skin. The infant simulator can be equipped with a lightsensor capable of sensing direct exposure to sunlight.

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with a systemfor recording and reporting instances when the simulator is exposed todirect sunlight (i.e., light having an illuminance exceeding a definedthreshold value such as 2,000 foot-candles.). In a second embodiment,the infant simulator is equipped with a system for generating aperceptible sunlight exposure signal when the simulator is exposed todirect sunlight. A preferred embodiment combines both therecording/reporting and signaling systems so that the student caring forthe infant simulator is advised when the infant is being exposed todirect sunlight and the recorded information can be reviewed by aprogram administrator upon completion of the assignment.

Loud Noise Sensor

Infants should not be exposed to loud noises. The ears of an infantcannot accommodate loud noises such as experienced when proximatelyexposed to airplane engines during takeoff, firecrackers, firetrucksirens, loud rock music, shouting, screaming, etc. The infant simulatorcan be equipped with a sound sensor capable of sensing loud noises.

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with a systemfor recording and reporting instances when the simulator is exposed toloud noises (i.e., noise exceeding a defined threshold value such asabout 80 decibels.). In a second embodiment, the infant simulator isequipped with a system for generating a perceptible loud sound exposuresignal when the simulator is exposed to an excessively loud sound. Apreferred embodiment combines both the recording/reporting and signalingsystems so that the student caring for the infant simulator is advisedwhen the infant is being exposed to excessive levels of noise and therecorded information can be reviewed by a program administrator uponcompletion of the assignment.

Overstimulation

Infants can be overstimulated by prolonged periods of auditory and/orvisual stimulation and/or movement. The infant simulator can be equippedwith a sound and/or motion detector for sensing prolonged exposure tonoise and/or prolonged periods of movement.

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with a systemfor recording and reporting instances of overstimulation. In a secondembodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with a system forgenerating a perceptible overstimulation signal when overstimulation issensed. A preferred embodiment combines both the recording/reporting andsignaling systems so that the student caring for the infant simulator isadvised when overstimulation has occurred and the recorded informationcan be reviewed by a program administrator upon completion of theassignment.

Directly Induced

Infants must be handled with care at all times and should never beintentionally or unintentionally dropped, shaken, squeezed, struck orotherwise physically harmed. Two of the more prevalent abuses are theresult of a frustrated care provider shaking and/or squeezing theinfant; usually shaking the body while allowing the appendages to flopback-and-forth, and/or squeezing the infant's arm, leg or head. Theinfant simulator can be equipped with (i) an impact sensor capable ofsensing a potentially injurious impact upon the infant simulatorindicative of being dropped, shaken or struck, and/or (ii) a compressionsensor capable of sensing potentially injurious compression of theinfant simulator.

Impact Sensor

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with a systemfor recording and reporting an abusive impact. In a second embodiment,the infant simulator is equipped with a system for generating aperceptible impact distress signal when abusive impact is sensed. Apreferred embodiment combines both the recording/reporting and signalingsystems so that the student caring for the infant simulator isimmediately notified that they have injured the infant simulator, andthe recorded information can be reviewed by a program administrator uponcompletion of the assignment.

The infant simulator is preferably equipped with multiple impact sensorsand/or provided with appropriate programming so as to allow the infantsimulator to differentiate between (i) a single impact indicative of asingle intentional or unintentional strike or fall, and (ii) rapidmultiple impacts indicative of intentional striking or shaking of theinfant simulator.

Compression Sensor

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with acompression sensor and a system for recording and reporting the sensedcompression. In a second embodiment, the infant simulator is furtherequipped with a system for generating a perceptible distress signal whencompression is sensed. A preferred embodiment combines both therecording/reporting and signaling systems so that the student caring forthe infant simulator is immediately notified that they have injured theinfant simulator, and the recorded information can be reviewed by aprogram administrator upon completion of the assignment.

Position Sensor

An infant should sleep and rest while lying on its back or side. Aninfant should rarely lie face down or be hung upside down. The infantsimulator can be equipped with a position sensor capable of sensing thevertical and horizontal positioning of the infant simulator.

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is further equipped with asystem for recording and reporting the sensed positioning. In a secondembodiment, the infant simulator is further equipped with a system forgenerating a perceptible positioning distress signal when the infantsimulator is improperly positioned. A preferred embodiment combines boththe recording/reporting and signaling systems so that the student caringfor the infant simulator is advised when the infant is improperlypositioned, and the recorded information can be reviewed by a programadministrator upon completion of the assignment.

Diaper Sensor

Infants should usually be diapered during most of the day, with theexception of certain limited activities such as bathing. Hence, arealistic simulation should require that the infant simulator remaindiapered throughout the assignment period.

In a first embodiment, the infant simulator is equipped with a systemfor recording and reporting the sensed absence of a diaper on the infantsimulator. In a second embodiment, the infant simulator is furtherequipped with a system for generating a perceptible missing-diapersignal when the infant simulator is not diapered. A preferred embodimentcombines both the recording/reporting and signaling systems so that thestudent caring for the infant simulator is advised when the infant isnot diapered, and the recorded information can be reviewed by a programadministrator upon completion of the assignment.

More specifically, the infant simulator can be equipped with (i) asensor for detecting the presence and absence of a diaper on the infantsimulator, (ii) a system in communication with the diaper sensor forgenerating a perceptible missing diaper signal when the diaper sensordetects a prolonged (e.g., greater than twenty minutes) absence of adiaper on the infant simulator, (iii) a system in communication with themissing diaper signal generating system for arresting the diaper-missingsignal in response to receipt of a diaper-present satisfaction signal,and (iv) a diaper configured and arranged to be fitted over the lowertorso of the infant simulator as a diaper, with the diaper having ameans effective for being detected by the diaper sensor and transmittingthe diaper-present satisfaction signal to the diaper-missing signalarresting system when the diaper is fitted on the infant simulator.

Demand Events

Diaper Change

Infants require periodic diaper changes. A realistic simulation of adiaper change should include the actual changing of a diaper. Byrequiring a first “soiled” diaper to be removed and a new “clean” diaperplaced upon the infant simulator, the person caring for the infantsimulator learns that you must carry an extra diaper at all times, andgains a more complete understanding of the requirements of an actualdiaper change (e.g., a person carrying the infant simulator into arestaurant would, assuming some level of modesty and etiquette, take theinfant simulator to the rest room to change the diaper).

The infant simulator can be equipped with (i) a system for generating aperceptible diaper-change signal, (ii) a system in communication withthe diaper-change signal generating system for arresting thediaper-change signal in response to receipt of a diaper-changesatisfaction signal, and (iii) a diaper configured and arranged to befitted over the lower torso of the infant simulator as a diaper, withthe diaper having a means effective for transmitting the diaper-changesatisfaction signal to the diaper-change signal arresting system whenthe diaper is fitted on the infant simulator.

The infant simulator can further be equipped with a system formeasuring, recording and reporting the number and duration of eachdiaper-change episode (i.e., the number of times the perceptiblediaper-change signal is generated and the time periods betweeninitiation of the perceptible diaper-change signal and completion of adiaper change effective for transmitting the diaper-change satisfactionsignal.)

Rocking

Infants often like to be gently rocked. Parents and other care providerswill often rock an infant when the infant is fidgety or fussy, or whenthe person simply wants to comfort the infant. A realistic simulation ofrocking should require actual rocking of the infant simulator.

The infant simulator can be equipped with (i) a system for generating aperceptible rocking-request signal, and (ii) a system in communicationwith the rocking-request signal generating system for detecting rockingof the infant simulator and arresting the rocking-request signal whenrocking is detected.

The infant simulator can further be equipped with a system formeasuring, recording and reporting the number and/or duration ofrocking-request episodes (i.e., the number of times the perceptiblerocking-request signal is generated and the time periods betweeninitiation of the perceptible rocking-request signal and thecommencement of rocking.)

Feeding with Burp

Infants must be regularly fed. A realistic simulation of a feedingshould require both feeding and burping of the infant simulator. Inorder to accurately emulate a feeding, the infant simulator can beequipped with both a feeding-request module and a burping-requestmodule, with the burping-request module requiring actual patting of theinfant simulator.

The feeding module can include (i) a system for generating a perceptiblefeeding-request signal, (ii) a system in communication with thefeeding-request signal generating system for arresting thefeeding-request signal in response to receipt of a feeding signal, and(iii) a device for transmitting the feeding signal to thefeeding-request signal arresting system when placed in communicativeproximity to the infant simulator whereby the feeding-request signal isarrested.

The burping module can include (i) a system for generating a perceptibleburping-request signal, (ii) a system for initiating generation of theburping-request signal in communication with both the feeding-requestmodule and the burping-request signal generating system for initiatinggeneration of the burping-request signal after the feeding signal isreceived by the feeding-request module, and (iii) a system incommunication with the burping-request signal generating system fordetecting patting of the infant simulator and arresting theburping-request signal when patting is detected.

The infant simulator can further be equipped with a means forindividually or separately measuring, recording and reporting the numberand/or duration of each feeding-request episode (i.e., the number oftimes the perceptible feeding-request signal is generated and the timeperiods between initiation of the perceptible feeding-request signal andthe commencement of feeding) and each burping-request episode (i.e., thenumber of times the perceptible burping-request signal is generated andthe time periods between initiation of the perceptible burping-requestsignal and the commencement of patting.)

Fussy and Demand Events

Infants will occasionally fuss for one reason or another and, despiteevery effort by the parent or other care-provider, cannot be comforted.In such situations, the infant tends to continue fussing until theunknown cause of the fussing dissipates of its own accord. In order toaccurately emulate the frustration encountered by parents and othercare-providers in such situations, the infant simulator can be equippedwith a demand event module (e.g., a diaper-change module, a rockingmodule, a feeding module, etc.) and a fussing module, wherein only thedemand event module is capable of being satisfied.

The demand event module can include (i) a system for generating aperceptible demand signal, (ii) a system in communication with thedemand signal generating system for arresting the demand signal inresponse to receipt of a satisfaction signal, and (iii) a device fortransmitting the satisfaction signal to the demand signal arrestingsystem when placed in communicative proximity to the infant simulatorwhereby the demand signal is arrested.

The fussing module can include (i) a system for generating a perceptiblefussing signal, (ii) a fussing interval timer in communication with thefussing signal generating system for initiating generation of thefussing signal at intervals; and (iii) a fussing duration timer incommunication with the fussing signal generating system for terminatinggeneration of the fussing signal at the end of a fussing period.

Since the fussing module does not include a system capable of arrestingthe fussing signal, the fussing signal will necessarily continue untilthe end of the fussing period regardless of the actions of the student.

Rest

Infants need frequent rest periods and naps during which the infantshould not be stimulated (e.g., limited movement of the infant andlimited noise levels reaching the infant). A realistic simulation ofcaring for an infant should include rest periods during whichinteraction with the infant simulator must be minimized (e.g., nomovement above a threshold force and no sounds above a threshold decibellevel).

The infant simulator can be equipped with (i) a system for generating aperceptible rest-request signal, and (ii) a system in communication withthe rest-request signal generating system for detecting resting of theinfant simulator (i.e., limited movement and sounds) and arresting therest-request signal when resting is detected.

The infant simulator can further be equipped with a system formeasuring, recording and reporting the number and/or duration of eachrest-request episode (i.e., the number of times the perceptiblerest-request signal is generated and the time periods between initiationof the perceptible rest-request signal and the commencement of resting.)

Ancillary Features

The features described below are labeled as ancillary features becausethey function to enhance performance of an infant simulator exhibitingat least one type of an environmental or demand event. For practicalpurposes, the disclosed ancillary features are operable in combinationwith the modules disclosed herein as well as any other modules requiringthe student to interact with the infant simulator (i.e., remove theinfant simulator from the unacceptable environment or provide the infantsimulator with the appropriate satisfaction signal.)

Multiple Behavior Modes Feature

Infants have different care requirements, dependent upon several factorssuch as the age of the infant, the disposition of the infant, the levelof care historically provided the infant, whether it is daytime or nighttime, whether the child is sick or healthy, etc. For example, someinfants will sleep continuously for several hours at night, while otherswill wake almost every hour and require some type of attention. In orderto emulate the different care requirements of infants, the infantsimulator can be equipped to (i) permit a program administrator toselect between several programming options which require different typesand/or levels of care, and/or (ii) change the behavior of the infantsimulator during the course of an assignment period due to such factorsas time of day, sickness, or level of care provided by the student.

Selected at the Beginning of an Assignment Period

Age

The care requirements of an infant change as they age. For example,newborn infants generally require more frequent care than a six monthold infant. In order to emulate the different care requirements ofinfants as they age, the infant simulator can be equipped to permit aprogram administrator to select between several programs which requiredifferent age appropriate types of care. In a preferred embodiment, thetypes of care can be set to represent the care requirements of a newborninfant, a three month old infant and a six month old infant, therebyallowing the program administrator to change the simulation for eachstudent.

This feature can also enhance a student's sense of participation andinvolvement in the program by allowing the student to select the age ofthe infant.

Feeding Method

The care requirements of a breast fed infant are generally differentthan those of a bottle fed infant. For example, breast fed infants tendto require more frequent feedings and diaper changes, while bottlefeeding requires preparation time before and clean-up time after eachfeeding. In order to emulate the different care requirements of breastfed and bottle fed infants, the infant simulator can be equipped topermit a program administrator to select between a breast fed programand a bottle fed program. In a preferred embodiment, the breast fedprogram would provide a greater frequency of feeding and diaper changeperiods, while the bottle fed program would provide for longer feedingand diaper change periods. In addition, the breast fed program couldrequire that feeding occur in a private location (e.g., feeding can onlybe provided with limited noise levels), while the bottle fed programcould require morning and/or evening attendance periods, designed tosimulate the time required to prepare the bottles, and/or the insertionof an actual bottle in order to feed the infant.

This feature can also enhance a student's sense of participation andinvolvement in the program by allowing the student to select whether tobreast feed or bottle feed the infant.

Disposition

Different infants have different care requirements due to thedisposition of the infant. These different levels of care can beproduced by altering the time interval between demand events (i.e.,increase or decrease the number of events occurring within an assignmentperiod) and/or altering the duration of each demand period (i.e.,increase or decrease the length of each period). The different levels ofcare can be set to represent the care requirements of an easy, anaverage and a difficult infant, thereby allowing the programadministrator to change the simulation for each student.

Occurring During an Assignment Period

Daytime/Night Time Feature

Infants tend to have different care requirements during the daytime(e.g., between the hours of about 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., morepreferably between the core hours of about 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.) andthe night time (e.g., between the hours of about 8:00 p.m. and 8:00a.m., more preferably between the core hours of about 10:00 p.m. and6:00 a.m.). As a general matter, night time care requirements are lessthan daytime requirements, with longer intervals between demand eventsand shorter demand periods during the night time hours.

In order to emulate the different care requirements of an infant duringnight time hours, the infant simulator can be equipped with an internalclock, set to the actual time of day, and the microcontroller unitprogrammed to decrease the duration of demand periods and/or increasethe time intervals between demand events occurring during night timehours.

Historical Level of Care

The infant simulator can be programmed to increase or decrease the levelof care required by the infant simulator based upon the level of careprovided by the student during an assignment period. For example,failure to provide a satisfaction signal within a defined time limit(e.g., two minutes) for a defined number of consecutive demand events(e.g., three demand events), failure to respond to a single demand eventwithin a demand period, or subjecting the infant simulator to physicalabuse, can cause the infant simulator to increase the level of carerequired from easy to average (e.g., decreasing the time intervalbetween events and/or increasing the duration of each period).

Sick Period Feature

Infants tend to require additional care when they are sick. In order toemulate the increased care requirements of a sick infant, the infantsimulator can be programmed to initiate a sick period, during which theduration of demand periods occurring within the sick period areincreased and/or the time interval between demand periods occurringwithin the sick period are decreased.

The infant simulator can further be equipped with (i) a system forgenerating a perceptible sick signal, and (ii) a system for recordingand reporting the occurrence of a sick period.

Comatose Feature

The infant simulator can include a sensor and/or programming to detectsevere abuse or neglect rising to the level of a pernicious event (e.g.,extreme thermal exposure, abusive compression, an abusive impact, orprolonged failure to feed), measured in terms of the duration and/orforce of the abuse and/or neglect, and causing the infant simulator toenter into a coma (e.g., recording and reporting of severe abuse/neglectand cessation of all program functions). The infant simulator can alsooptionally (i) signal the student to seek immediate medical attentionfor the comatose infant (e.g., a password or medical care key possessedby a “medical representative” such as the program administrator) toprevent the infant from dying, and/or (ii) measure, record and reportthe occurrence and/or duration of the medical request episode (i.e., theoccurrence of such an incident and the time period between initiation ofthe perceptible medical attention-request signal and receipt of themedical attention-received signal.)

Contented Signal Feature

The responsibility of caring for an infant can engender the contrastingemotions of fulfillment and frustration. A realistic simulation ofcaring for an infant should include environmental events, demand eventsand ancillary features emulating both the positive and negative aspectsof caring for an infant.

The infant simulator can be equipped with a contented conditionsubmodule for providing positive feedback to the student when propercare is provided. The contented submodule can include (i) a system forgenerating a perceptible contented signal, and (ii) a system incommunication with a demand event module and the perceptible contentedsignal generating system for initiating generation of the contentedsignal after a satisfaction signal has been timely received by thedemand event module.

Grace Period Feature

Those caring for an infant cannot be expected to remain within armsreach of the infant at all times, but are expected to remain closeenough to promptly respond to the infant. Hence, in order to providemeaningful and realistic information to the program administrator as tothe level of care provided by a student caring for the infant simulator,the simulator can be programmed to provide a grace period (e.g., about 1to 3 minutes, preferably 2 minutes) after the initiation of a demandsignal, within which the student can provide the appropriatesatisfaction signal and the duration of the demand episode is recordedas zero. The recorded and reported duration of those demand episodeshaving a duration longer than the grace period can include or excludethe grace period as desired, with the program administrator advised asto the option selected so that they may accurately interpret therecorded and reported data and provide appropriate feedback to thestudent.

A grace period can also be usefully implemented in connection withcertain environmental events (e.g., exposure to unacceptableenvironmental conditions of temperature, smoke, sunlight or position)where a limited period of exposure (e.g., exposure to cool conditions ofbetween 05-15° C. for less than 30 seconds) is generally not harmful tothe infant. However, a grace period should not be implemented for thoseunacceptable environmental conditions capable of immediately resultingin injury to an infant, such as an abusive impact or abusivecompression.

In a preferred embodiment, the infant simulator provides the studentwith a positive signal whenever the student has responded to the demandsignal within the grace period, thereby immediately advising the studentthat they have provided prompt care and the report provided to theprogram administrator at the end of the assignment period will reflectthat the duration of the demand episode was zero.

Identification System Feature

In order for a student to fully appreciate the responsibility of caringfor an infant, and for a teacher to provide meaningful feedback to thestudent, it is important that the student to whom the infant simulatoris assigned tend to the comfort, safety and demands of the infantsimulator. In other words, it is important that the infant simulator beequipped with some type of system which requires the assigned student tocare for the infant simulator, or at least be present when the dutiesare discharged.

For purposes of ensuring that the assigned student is at least presentwhen the demands of the infant simulator are being satisfied as requiredby the demand event module, the infant simulator can be equipped with anidentification feature including at least, (i) a system for receiving anidentification signal personal to the assigned student, and (ii) asystem in communication with the identification-signal receiving systemand the demand event module effective for preventing arresting of thedemand signal until the identification signal is received by theidentification-signal receiving system.

Escalating Distress/Demand Signal Feature

Infants can provide a variety of perceptible signals to parents andother care-providers indicating that an environmental condition ismaking the infant uncomfortable, or requesting that a need be satisfied.While the most common signal is crying, other signals include fidgeting,fussing, gasping, repeated side-to-side shaking of the head, rubbing ofthe eyes and face, and whining. In addition, infants will usuallyescalate the signal over time when the condition continues or the needremains unsatisfied. Hence, a realistic simulation of caring for aninfant should provide for an escalation in the strength, intensityand/or severity of a discomfort, distress or demand signal as thecondition/need remains unsatisfied over time.

An infant simulator having an environmental event module or a demandevent module can be further equipped with a system in communication withthe module for escalating the perceptible discomfort, distress or demandsignal generated by the discomfort, distress or demand signal generatingsystem as the duration of the environmental discomfort period or demandperiod increases.

In addition, an infant simulator having an environmental event module ora demand event module can also be equipped with a system incommunication with the module for de-escalating an escalated perceptiblediscomfort, distress or demand signal generated by the discomfort,distress or demand signal generating system once the appropriatesatisfaction signal has been transmitted to the infant simulator.

Self-Directed Expression

Infants will occasionally generate a sound and/or action on their owninitiative even though they are not seeking any type of interaction witha parent or other care-provider. A myriad of different self-directedexpressions are possible, including specifically, but not exclusively,babbling, blinking of the eyes, flailing of the arms and/or legs,giggling, gurgling, hiccuping, laughing, screaming with joy, sighing,smiling, sneezing, spitting, squinting, sucking fingers and/or toes,wrinkling-up of the nose, etc.

In order to emulate these self-directed expressions, and enhance thereality of the simulation, the infant simulator can be equipped with amodule (hereinafter “expression module”) capable of periodicallygenerating a self-directed expression without regard to any effort onthe part of the student to elicit such an expression.

The expression module comprises a system for periodically generating aperceptible self-directed expression. Since the self-directedexpressions will generally be of the type which occurs briefly and isnot typically perceived by a parent as requiring satisfaction, theself-directed expression module need not include a system capable ofarresting the sound and/or action. Hence, the self-directed expressionwill necessarily continue until completed, regardless of the actions ofthe student.

Sound Recording

The infant simulator may optionally be equipped with a sound recorder(e.g., a standard tape recorder or a solid state sound recording device)for purposes of recording the verbal reaction of a student and othersnear the infant simulator to the various requirements of the infantsimulator, for later review by the student and/or the programadministrator. In order to provide a recording of useful duration, thesound recorder should be configured and arranged to record only when (i)a verbal reaction can be expected from the student (e.g., a three minuteperiod after commencement of a demand event or during a perniciousevent), and/or (ii) loud sounds are detected (e.g., yelling, screamingor shouting). The infant simulator can also include a voice recognitionsystem in communication with the sound recorder for activating the soundrecorder whenever the assigned student's voice is detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the infant simulatorincluding one embodiment of an identification key and tamper indicatingwristband.

FIGS. 2, 2 a-2 k and 2 m-2 t are a flowchart of one embodiment of theinfant simulator.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the infant simulator shown inFIG. 1, showing one embodiment of the internal electronic components ofthe infant simulator.

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of a first diaper foruse in combination with the infant simulator for initiating transmissionof a diaper-change satisfaction signal.

FIG. 4 b is a perspective view of one embodiment of a second diaper foruse in combination with the infant simulator for initiating transmissionof a diaper-change satisfaction signal.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a bottle for use incombination with the infant simulator for initiating transmission of afeeding-request satisfaction signal.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a motion andposition sensor.

FIG. 7 is an electronic circuit diagram for an alternative embodiment ofa motion and position sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE Definitions

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “abusive impact,”means an impact of a magnitude such that discomfort or injury wouldnormally be inflicted upon an actual infant. An impact having amagnitude insufficient to be classified as an “abusive impact” includesspecifically, but not exclusively, an impact resulting from such routineactivities as bathing, patting to elicit a burp, ordinary handling,rocking, etc.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “activated,” whenused to describe the condition of an infant simulator, means that (i) atleast one of the environmental sensors and associated means forrecording the sensed environmental variable are sensing and recording(e.g., environmental temperature or compression), and/or (ii) at leastone of the demand events is capable of occurring at any time or the timeinterval to such occurrence is being timed (e.g., diaper-change,feeding, or fussy event).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “arrested,” when usedto describe the condition of a perceptible signal generating means,means that the perceptible signal is no longer expressed, optionallyafter a wind-down period of diminishing intensity, and includes bothtermination of the signal (i.e., the perceptible signal will not begenerated until reinitiated by the occurrence of a defined environmentalcondition or demand event), and inhibition of the signal (i.e., theperceptible signal will be expressed upon the removal or cessation of aspecific condition or generation of a satisfaction signal).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “assignmentperiod,” means the period of time during which the infant simulator isactivated and the assigned person or team is given custody of the infantsimulator (e.g., overnight, 48 hours, one week, etc.).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the terms “brief” and“prolonged” are used as complementary relative terms wherein neither isspecifically limited in duration, but brief is always of a shorterduration than prolonged.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “burping-requestepisode,” refers to that portion of a burping-request event beginningwhen a perceptible burping-request signal is initiated and ending whenpatting of the infant simulator is commenced. It is noted for purposesof clarity that this definition is not intended to mandate the specificsignal received by the burping-request episode duration measuring meansfor initiating the timing of a burping-request episode (e.g., timing ofa burping-request episode can be initiated by a signal emanating fromthe burping-request interval timer or a signal generated by theperceptible burping-request signal generating means), nor specify theparticular sequence by which an electrical signal must travel throughthe burping-request module (e.g., the burping-request module may beconfigured and arranged so that the burping-request episode durationmeasuring means receives a signal to start timing a burping-requestepisode before, after or simultaneously with the receipt of acorresponding signal by the perceptible burping-request signalgenerating means).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “burping-requestevent,” means generation of a burping-request signal capable of beingarrested upon receipt of a burping-request satisfaction signal (e.g.,rocking of the infant simulator), and optionally followed by themeasuring and recording of data effective for reporting the occurrenceof a burping-request event and the level of care provided by a studentin response to the burping-request signal.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “burping-requestperiod,” means the period of time during which the burping-requestsignal will be generated and expressed by the infant simulator unless aburping-request satisfaction signal is being continuously received bythe infant simulator.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “abusivecompression,” means compression of a magnitude such that discomfort orinjury would normally be inflicted upon an actual infant. A compressionhaving a magnitude insufficient to be classified as an “abusivecompression” include specifically, but not exclusively, a compressionresulting from such routine activities as bathing, patting to elicit aburp, ordinary handling, hugging, lying on a carpeted floor, rubbing ofthe stomach, light tickling, etc.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “continuous,” whenused in connection with the activity of feeding the infant simulator,means that the feeding signal transmitting means (e.g., a bottle) isheld in communicative position relative to the infant simulator by astudent so as to transmit the feeding signal to the feeding-requestsystem (e.g., the bottle is inserted into the mouth of the infantsimulator) without release of the feeding signal transmitting means bythe student for any appreciable time period (i.e., from a fraction of asecond up to as long as about five seconds).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “continuous,” whenused in connection with the activities of rocking the infant simulatorand burping the infant simulator for purposes of responding to arocking-request signal or a burping-request signal, means that theinfant simulator is subjected to appropriate levels of accelerativemotion without stop, or accelerative motion separated only by stationaryperiods of modest duration (i.e., from a fraction of a second up to aslong as about five seconds).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “continuous,” whenused in connection with the recording of temperature values, means thatthe temperature is recorded on a predetermine schedule (e.g., everynanosecond, every second, every ten seconds, every two minutes, etc.)without interruption.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “demand episode,”refers to that portion of a demand event beginning when a perceptibledemand signal is generated and ending when an appropriate satisfactionsignal is provided. Exemplary, demand episodes include specifically, butnot exclusively, diaper-change episodes, feeding-request episodes,burping-request episodes, rest-request episodes and rocking-requestepisodes.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “demand event,”means generation of a demand signal capable of being arrested uponreceipt of an appropriate satisfaction signal, and optionally followedby the measuring and recording of data effective for reporting theoccurrence of a demand event and the level of care provided by a studentin response to the demand signal.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “unsatisfied demandevent,” refers to a demand event of timed duration which reaches the endof the demand event (i.e., the end of the demand period) without receiptof the appropriate satisfaction signal. In other words, the student didnot transmit the satisfaction signal in a timely fashion.

As utilized herein, including the claims the phrase “demand eventmodule” references a module which includes at least (i) a means forgenerating a perceptible demand signal, and (ii) a means incommunication with the demand signal generating means for arresting thedemand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal. As ageneral matter, a “demand event module” signals a student that some typeof interaction is required between the student and the infant, andarrests the signal when the required interaction is provided.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “demand period,”means the period of time during which the demand signal will begenerated and expressed by the infant simulator unless a satisfactionsignal is being received by the infant simulator. Exemplary, demandperiods include specifically, but not exclusively, diaper-changeperiods, feeding-periods, burping periods, resting periods and rockingperiods.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “diaper-changeepisode,” refers to that portion of a diaper-change event beginning whena perceptible diaper-change signal is initiated and ending when adiaper-change satisfaction signal is transmitted. It is noted forpurposes of clarity that this definition is not intended to mandate thespecific signal received by the diaper-change module for initiating orterminating the timing of a diaper-change episode (e.g., timing of adiaper-change episode can be initiated by a signal emanating from thediaper-change interval timer or a signal generated by the perceptiblediaper-change signal generating means), nor specify the particularsequence by which an electrical signal must travel through thediaper-change module (e.g., the diaper-change module may be configuredand arranged so that the diaper-change duration timer receives a signalto start timing a diaper-change episode before, after or simultaneouslywith the receipt of a corresponding signal by the perceptiblediaper-change signal generating means).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “diaper-changeevent,” means generation of a diaper-change signal capable of beingarrested upon receipt of a diaper-change satisfaction signal (e.g.,changing of the diaper on the infant simulator), and optionally followedby the measuring and recording of data effective for reporting theoccurrence of a diaper-change event and the level of care provided by astudent in responding to the diaper-change signal.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “diaper-changeperiod,” means the period of time during which the diaper-change signalwill be generated and expressed by the infant simulator unless adiaper-change satisfaction signal is received by the infant simulator.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “missing-diaperperiod,” means the time period beginning when the absence of a diaper isdetected (i.e., the presence of a diaper fitted onto the torso of theinfant simulator as a diaper is not detected) and ending when a diaperis fitted onto the torso of the infant simulator as a diaper and thepresence of the diaper is detected.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “distress period,”when used in connection with the generation of a distress signal, meansa time period beginning immediately or shortly after sensing of anabusive compression or abusive impact, and ending after a time period ofpredetermined or bounded random duration measured from eithercommencement or termination of the abuse. When the end of a distressperiod is measured from commencement of the abuse, the distress periodshould be selected so as to have a longer duration than any anticipatedabusive compression or abusive impact (e.g., a minimum distress periodof 15 seconds when the typical duration of an abusive compression isabout 5 to 10 seconds) in order to avoid an anomalous situation in whichthe distress period (i.e., the distress signal) ends before the abusestops. Alternatively, when the end of a distress period is measured fromtermination of abuse, the distress period may have any desired durationsince the distress period, by definition, cannot end before the abuseends.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “mannequin” means afigure representative of a human being and including at least a portionrepresenting a head and a portion representing a torso. A deviceproviding an electronic representation of a human being (e.g., an LCDscreen displaying a human figure), and a device displaying a printedimage of a human (e.g., an egg shaped base with a picture of a humaninfant laminated to a flattened surface of the base) are specificallyincluded within the definition of a “mannequin.” The figure ispreferably shaped as an infant and includes arms and legs. Otherphysical features can be represented as desired, including specifically,but not exclusively, hair, eyes, eye lashes, eyebrows, ears, nose,mouth, hands, fingers, fingernails, aureole, bellybutton, genitalia,feet, toes, toenails, skin pigmentation, and physical deformities.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “environmentalcondition,” means an external condition imposed upon the infantsimulator. Exemplary environmental conditions include specifically, butnot exclusively, (i) horizontal and vertical positioning of the infantsimulator, (ii) the temperature to which the infant simulator isexposed, (iii) compression of the infant simulator, (iv) exposure of theinfant simulator to smoke, (v) physical abuse of the infant simulator,(vi) verbal abuse of the infant simulator, (vii) exposure of the infantsimulator to bright light, (viii) overstimulation of the infantsimulator, (ix) complete submersion of the infant simulator in water,(x) exposure of the infant simulator to loud noises, (xi) maintaining adiaper on the infant simulator, etc.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “unacceptableenvironmental condition,” means an environmental condition to which anactual human infant should not be subjected due to the discomfort and/orpossibility of injury imposed by such exposure. Exemplary unacceptableenvironmental conditions include specifically, but not exclusively, (i)positioning of the infant simulator on its stomach during a rest period,(ii) exposing the infant simulator to temperatures in excess of 40° C.,(iii) abusive compression of the infant simulator, (iv) exposing theinfant simulator to cigarette smoke, (v) striking or dropping of theinfant simulator, (vi) screaming at the infant simulator, (vii) exposingthe infant simulator to direct sunlight, (viii) completely submersingthe infant simulator in water, etc.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “environmentaldiscomfort period,” means the time period beginning when an unacceptableenvironmental condition is sensed (e.g., temperature outside acceptabletemperature range or abusive impacts sensed), and ending when theenvironmental condition returns to an acceptable level (e.g.,temperature within acceptable temperature range or absence of abusiveimpacts).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “environmentalevent,” means the sensing of an unacceptable environmental conditionfollowed by the generation of a distress or discomfort signal and/or themeasuring and recording of data effective for reporting the sensing ofan unacceptable environmental condition and/or evaluating the extent ofthe distress or discomfort created by the unacceptable environmentalcondition.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “feeding-requestepisode,” refers to that portion of a feeding-request event beginningwhen a perceptible feeding-request signal is initiated and ending upontransmission of a feeding satisfaction signal. It is noted for purposesof clarity that this definition is not intended to mandate the specificsignal received by the feeding-request module for initiating orarresting the timing of a feeding-request episode (e.g., timing of afeeding-request episode can be initiated by a signal emanating from thefeeding-request interval timer or a signal generated by the perceptiblefeeding-request signal generating means), nor specify the particularsequence by which an electrical signal must travel through thefeeding-request module (e.g., the feeding-request module may beconfigured and arranged so that the feeding-request duration timerreceives a signal to start timing a feeding-request episode before,after or simultaneously with the receipt of a corresponding signal bythe perceptible feeding-request signal generating means).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “feeding-requestevent,” means generation of a feeding-request signal capable of beingarrested upon receipt of a feeding-request satisfaction signal (e.g.,placement of a bottle into the mouth of the infant simulator), andoptionally followed by the measuring and recording of data effective forreporting the occurrence of a feeding-request event and the level ofcare provided by a student in response to the feeding-request signal.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “feeding-requestperiod,” means the period of time during which the feeding-requestsignal will be generated and expressed by the infant simulator unlessthe appropriate satisfaction signal (i.e., a feeding signal) is beingcontinuously received by the infant simulator.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “infant” refers to ayoung human ranging in age from a newborn, including a prematurenewborn, to an approximately one year old child.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “key” refers to anydevice configured and arranged to fit within and communicate with acomplementary keyhole, including specifically, but not exclusively apasskey of specified configuration, a card having holes in a specifiedpattern, a card bearing information on a magnetic strip, a magnet ofspecified strength and configuration, etc.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “medical attentionsignal” means a perceptible signal effective for conveying notice to astudent that the infant simulator is in need of professional medicalattention. Exemplary medical attention signals including specifically,but not exclusively audible signals (e.g., prolonged intense screaming),olfactory signals (e.g., continuous emission of odorous stench), tactilesignals (e.g., bumps on the skin), visual signals (e.g., rubbing thestomach or LCD display), and multimedia signals (e.g., screaming andrubbing the stomach).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “medical attentionepisode,” refers to that portion of a medical attention event beginningwhen a perceptible medical attention-request signal is initiated by theinfant simulator and ending when a medical attention-received signal istransmitted to the infant simulator.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “medical attentionevent,” means generation of a medical attention-request signal capableof being arrested upon receipt of a medical attention received signal(e.g., insertion of a key marked “doctor”), and optionally followed bythe measuring and recording of data effective for reporting theoccurrence of a medical attention event and the level of care providedby a student in response to the medical attention-request signal.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “unsatisfiedmedical attention event,” refers to a medical attention event of timedduration which reaches the end of the medical attention event (i.e., theend of the medical attention period) without receipt of the medicalattention-received signal. In other words, the student did not transmitthe medical attention-received signal in a timely fashion).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “medicalattention-period,” means the period of time available for a student totransmit a medical-attention-received signal to the infant simulator inresponse to a medical attention-request signal in order to prevent deathof the infant simulator.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “overstimulated,”means to be exposed to elevated but generally accepted types and levelsof noise and/or motion for such an extended continuous duration and/orprolonged periodicity that an actual infant could become irritable.Examples include specifically, but not exclusively, sitting through anamplified concert, continuous passing of the infant from person toperson at a family reunion, watching a long parade, etc.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “overstimulationperiod,” means the time period beginning when the extent of recentstimulatory actions become overstimulation, and ending when the extentof recent stimulatory actions is reduced below a defined extent ofstimulation.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “pernicious event”means an event of such a nature (e.g., thermal exposure, abusivecompression of the head, shaking, etc.) and magnitude (e.g., extremeforce and/or prolonged duration) that an actual infant experiencing suchan event would be expected to experience severe injuries. Perniciousevents include pernicious thermal exposure, pernicious compression,pernicious impact, pernicious exposure to smoke, etc.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “predeterminedvalue” means a specific value (e.g., 10 minutes) and includes bothpermanently assigned values (e.g., a duration period which is always 10minutes) and values assigned for an assignment period and capable ofbeing reassigned for subsequent assignment periods (e.g., a timeinterval predetermined at the start of an assignment period as 2, 5 or 7minutes).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “random variable”is used in accordance with the dictionary definition of random variable(i.e., a variable that is a function of the result of a statisticalexperiment in which each outcome has a definite probability ofoccurrence, such as the number of spots showing if two dice are thrown).The phrase “bounded random variable” means that the random variable mustfall within defined minimum and maximum values (i.e., the variable mustbe greater than 0 and less than 13).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “rest period,”means the period of time during which a rest-request signal will begenerated and expressed should the infant simulator detect movement ofthe infant simulator and/or sounds above a defined threshold value.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “restricted” meanslimited access, with access generally achievable only upon the exerciseof intentional and deliberate actions directed toward the objective ofachieving such access (e.g., removing a machine screw, cutting a closureband, entering an access code, removing a tamper indicating label,etc.).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “rocking-requestepisode,” refers to that portion of a rocking-request event beginningwhen a perceptible rocking-request signal is initiated and ending upontransmission of a rocking-request satisfaction signal (i.e.,commencement of rocking). It is noted for purposes of clarity that thisdefinition is not intended to mandate the specific signal received bythe rocking-request module for initiating or arresting the timing of arocking-request episode (e.g., timing of a rocking-request episode canbe initiated by a signal emanating from the rocking-request intervaltimer or a signal generated by the perceptible rocking-request signalgenerating means), nor specify the particular sequence by which anelectrical signal must travel through the rocking-request module (e.g.,the rocking-request module may be configured and arranged so that therocking-request duration timer receives a signal to start timing arocking-request episode before, after or simultaneously with the receiptof a corresponding signal by the perceptible rocking-request signalgenerating means).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “rocking-requestevent,” means generation of a rocking-request signal capable of beingarrested upon receipt of a rocking-request satisfaction signal (e.g.,rocking of the infant simulator), and optionally followed by themeasuring and recording of data effective for reporting the occurrenceof a rocking-request event and the level of care provided by a studentin response to the rocking-request signal.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “rocking period,”means the period of time during which the rocking-request signal will begenerated and expressed by the infant simulator unless the appropriatesatisfaction signal (i.e., a rocking motion) is being continuouslyreceived by the infant simulator.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “normal roomlighting” refers to the interior lighting of a dwelling typicallyprovided by incandescent, fluorescent and/or halogen light fixtures. Asa general matter, such interior lighting is less than 1,000foot-candles, typically less than 500 foot-candles, and frequently lessthan 100 foot-candles.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrases “adjusting thepotential duration of a period,” and “adjusting the potential durationof a time interval” means changing the probability of occurrence suchthat a longer or shorter duration is more likely to occur. Suchadjustment can occur by (i) changing one or both of the endpoints of thetime range from which the duration of the period or interval can beselected (e.g., a change from a 10 to 20 minute time range to a 10 to 50minute time range or a change from a 10 to 20 minute time range to a 40to 50 minute time range), and/or (ii) changing the statisticalpreference for a time value within a defined time range (e.g., a changefrom a 10 to 20 minute time range with a 40% chance of selecting aduration of 15 to 20 minutes to a 10 to 20 minute time range with an 80%chance of selecting a duration of 15 to 20 minutes).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “selected periods”means a portion of the total number of periods, chosen at random oraccording to predetermined selection criteria (e.g., every third period,only fussy and diaper change periods, only periods occurring between10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., etc.).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “perceptiblesignal” means any and all means of communication capable of conveyingnotice or warning to a student, including specifically, but notexclusively audible signals (e.g., crying), olfactory signals (e.g.,emission of odorous gas), tactile signals (e.g., wet diaper), visualsignals (e.g., gesture), and multimedia signals (e.g., crying andtears).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “sick period,”means the period of time during which the care requirements of theinfant simulator are altered to reflect the additional care required bya sick infant (i.e., time interval between sequential demand events isdecreased and/or duration of demand periods is increased).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “stimulationsensor” refers to sensors effective for sensing stimulation of an infant(i.e., an environmental condition effective for stimulating the sensesof an infant). Exemplary stimulations include specifically, but notexclusively contact with water, noise, movement, touching the infant,etc.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “discomfort signal”means a perceptible signal effective for conveying notice to a studentthat the infant simulator is being subjected to an unacceptableenvironmental condition. Exemplary discomfort signals includingspecifically, but not exclusively, audible signals (e.g., crying),tactile signals (e.g., bumps on the skin), visual signals (e.g., an LCDdisplay), and multimedia signals (e.g., screaming and an LCD display).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “substantiallyidentical signals,” refers to signals perceived by the same sense (e.g.,audible signals) and of the same general type (e.g., crying sound,shaking body, floral smell, etc.) with some aspect of the signalsperceptibly different (e.g., different pitch, different rate, differentintervals between repetitions, different volumes, etc.).

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “self-directedexpression,” means an action, gesture, sound or other perceptible signcapable of being generated by an actual human infant and of a naturewhich a reasonable care-provider would not typically perceive as eitherrequiring an interactive response from the care-provider or signaling aneed or demand of the infant. Exemplary self-directed expressionsinclude babbling, blinking of the eyes, flailing of the arms and/orlegs, giggling, gurgling, hiccuping, laughing, screaming with joy,sighing, smiling, sneezing, spitting, squinting, sucking fingers and/ortoes, wrinkling-up of the nose.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “smoke exposureperiod,” means the time period beginning when smoke is detected andending when smoke is no longer detected.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the term “student,” means aperson participating in a parenting or child-care educational programincluding traditional school age children and adults.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “sunlight exposureperiod,” means the time period beginning when exposure to directsunlight (i.e., light having a luminance exceeding a defined thresholdvalue) is detected and ending when direct exposure to sunlight is nolonger detected.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “thermal exposureperiod,” means the time period beginning when a sensed temperature fallsoutside a defined acceptable temperature range and ending when asubsequently sensed temperature falls within the defined acceptabletemperature range.

As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase “cold temperaturethermal exposure period,” means the time period beginning when a sensedtemperature falls below a defined acceptable minimum temperature andending when a subsequently sensed temperature falls above the definedacceptable minimum temperature.

NOMENCLATURE

-   -   05 Infant Simulator    -   10 Mannequin    -   11 Head    -   12 Torso    -   13 Arms    -   14 Legs    -   16 Back of Mannequin    -   20 Central Microcontroller Unit    -   21 Tamper Indicating Label    -   30 Position Sensor    -   40 Temperature Sensor    -   50 Compression Sensing System    -   51 Electrical Circuit    -   51 a First Contact    -   51 b Second Contact    -   60 Diaper    -   60 a First Diaper    -   60 b Second Diaper    -   61 Magnet Attached to Diaper    -   62 Diaper-Change Switches    -   62 a First Diaper-Change Switch    -   62 b Second Diaper-Change Switch    -   70 Motion Sensor (Rocking, Burping, Overstimulation and Abuse)    -   70′ Motion/Position Sensor    -   71 Housing    -   72 Chamber    -   73 Reflective Sphere    -   74 Infrared light source    -   75 Infrared phototransistor    -   80 Bottle    -   80 n Nipple of Bottle    -   81 Magnet Attached to Bottle    -   82 Feed Switch    -   90 Identification Key    -   91 Tamper Indication Wristband    -   100 Initiation Module    -   110 Position Sensing Module    -   120 Temperature Sensing Module    -   130 Compression Sensing Module    -   140 Diaper-Change Module    -   150 Rocking Module    -   160 Feeding Module    -   170 Burping Module    -   180 Fussy Module    -   190 Assignment Period Module    -   210 Demand Signal Generating Feature    -   220 Recording Feature    -   225 Sound Recording Feature    -   230 Contented Signal Feature    -   240 Escalating Demand Signal Feature    -   250 Identification System Feature    -   260 Multiple Time Interval Duration Feature    -   270 Multiple Period Duration Feature    -   280 Comatose Feature    -   320 Smoke Detector    -   330 Impact Sensing System    -   340 Sound Sensor (Overstimulation, Rest)    -   350 Light Sensor    -   360 Sound Recorder    -   370 Missing Diaper Sensor    -   410 Expression Module    -   420 Smoke Detector Module    -   430 Impact Sensing Module    -   431 Dropped Infant Submodule    -   432 Shaken Infant Submodule    -   440 Overstimulation Module    -   450 Rest Module    -   460 Sick Infant Module    -   470 Sun Exposure Module    -   480 Loud Sound Sensing System    -   490 Missing Diaper Module    -   S₁ Repositioning-Request Signal Generated by the Infant        Simulator    -   S₂ Thermal Exposure Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₃ Compression Distress Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₄ Diaper-Change Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   St₄ Diaper-Change Satisfaction Signal Provided by Student    -   St₄ ⁺ First Diaper-Change Satisfaction Signal    -   St₄ ⁻ Second Diaper-Change Satisfaction Signal    -   S₅ Rocking-Request Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   St₅ Rocking-Request Satisfaction Signal Provided by Student    -   S₆ Feeding-Request Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   St₆ Feeding-Request Satisfaction Signal Provided by Student    -   S₇ Burping-Request Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   St₇ Burping-Request Satisfaction Signal Provided by Student    -   S₈ Fussy Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₉ Smoke Exposure Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₁₀ Impact Distress Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₁₁ Comatose Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   St₁₁ Medical Attention Signal Provided by Student    -   S₁₂ Overstimulation Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₁₃ Rest Request Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₁₄ Sick Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₁₅ Sun Exposure Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₁₆ Loud Sound Exposure Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S₁₇ Missing Diaper Signal Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   S_(DAY) Daytime/Night Time Signal Generated by the Infant        Simulator    -   E₁ Self-Directed Expression Generated by the Infant Simulator    -   + Positive (“Contented”) Signal Generated by Infant Simulator    -   S^(ID) Identification Signal    -   Sw^(ID) Identification Switch    -   Sw⁺ Positive Signal Switch    -   Bypass

Construction

As shown in FIG. 1, the infant simulator 05 comprises a mannequin 10having a recess (unnumbered) within the back 16 of the mannequin 10capable of retaining a central microcontroller unit 20 and a batterypack 25 for powering the central microcontroller unit 20.

A lock-and-key system (not shown) or tamper indicating device, such as atamper indicating label 21, can be provided for purposes of signalingand/or recording/reporting efforts to remove or otherwise access thecentral microcontroller unit 20 and/or battery pack 25 from themannequin 10. Alternatively, the central microcontroller unit 20 can beprogrammed to record and report the duration of the assignment period,with timing of the assignment period stopped when the microcontrollerunit 20 and/or the battery pack 25 is removed from the mannequin 10.

The mannequin 10 preferably has the appearance of a young infant (e.g.,approximately 40 to 80 cm in length and approximately 3 to 5 kg inweight) with a head 11, torso 12, arms 13, and legs 14. The mannequin 10can be sculpted to depict the skin color and facial features of variousethnic groups including specifically, but not exclusively, AfricanAmerican, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, and American Indian.

The infant simulator 05 can include a variety of modules designed toemulate the care requirements of an infant. These modules include (i) aposition sensing module 110, (ii) a temperature sensing module 120,(iii) a compression sensing module 130, (iv) a diaper-change module 140,(v) a rocking module 150, (vi) a feeding module 160 with or without anassociated burping module 170, (vii) a fussy module 180, (viii) anexpression module 410, (ix) a smoke detector module 420, (x) an impactsensing module 430, (xi) an overstimulation module 440, (xii) a restmodule 450, (xiii) a sickness module 460, and (xiv) a sunlight exposuremodule 470. The infant simulator 05 can be designed and programmed withany combination of the described modules, including the ability for aprogram administrator to selectively activate and deactivate individualmodules for each assignment period.

The infant simulator 05 is equipped to record and report the quality ofcare and responsiveness of a person caring for the infant simulator 05(e.g., recording and reporting the duration of the assignment period andthe total duration of all events and episodes) and/or signal the personcaring for the infant simulator 05 when care is required.

The modules can be conveniently grouped into the categories of (i)environmental events and (ii) demand events. In addition, the specificsof each event can be adjusted by the use of one or more ancillaryfeatures which can be programmed into the central microcontroller unit20.

Environmental Events

The environmental conditions of physical abuse (i.e., compression andimpact), verbal abuse, improper positioning, overstimulation, exposureto smoke, exposure to direct sunlight, and exposure to temperatureextremes can be sensed, signaled, recorded and reported.

Physical Abuse Sensing Systems

Compression

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a compression sensingsystem 50 capable of sensing compression of the mannequin 10, such assqueezing of the mannequin's head 11, arms 13 and/or legs 14, andcommunicating any sensed compression to the central microcontroller unit20.

Referring to FIG. 3, a compression sensing system 50 is provided in thehead 11 of the mannequin 10 for sensing squeezing or striking of thehead 11. The head 11 is constructed of a pliant material, such as a softvinyl material, with a normally open electrical circuit 51 providedwithin the head 11. The first contact 51 a of the electrical circuit 51is a thin layer of conductive material laminated to the inside surface(unnumbered) of the head 11 such that the conductive material moves inconcert with the head 11 when the head 11 is deformed The second contact51 b of the electrical circuit 51 is a cage of conductive materialinwardly spaced from the first contact 51 a of the electrical circuit51. The spacing between the first 51 a and second 51 b contacts of thenormally open electrical circuit 51 is selected so that the contacts 51a and 51 b will engage one another and close the electrical circuit 51when the head 11 is subjected to a compressive force or an impact forcereflective of abusive squeezing or striking of the head 11. Spacingbetween the first 51 a and second 51 b contacts should be selected sothat the compression sensing system 50 will consistently sensecompressive and impact forces reflective of physical abuse withoutsensing compressive and impact forces reflective of normal handling. Thespacing necessary to achieve these desired sensing parameters isdependent upon a number of factors, including the type of material usedto construct the head 11, the thickness of the material forming the head11, the size and shape of the head 11, the flexibility of the materiallaminated to the inside surface of the head 11 to form the first contact51 a, etc. By way of illustration, when the head 11 is molded fromapproximately ¼ inch thick plasticized polyvinyl chloride, and the firstcontact 51 a is a 3 to 4 mil thick aluminum foil, a spacing ofapproximately ½ to 1 inch should generally provide the desired sensingparameters (i.e., consistently sensing compressive and impact forcesreflective of abuse without sensing compressive and impact forcesreflective of normal handling).

Optionally, a flexible second cage (not shown) comprising a thirdcontact (not shown) could be positioned intermediate the first 51 a andsecond 51 b contacts to form a secondary electrical circuit (not shown)with the first contact 51 a in electrical communication with the centralmicrocontroller unit 20. The third contact (not shown) would beconstructed of a material sufficiently flexible to permit the first 51 aand third (not shown) contacts to engage the second contact 51 b whenthe head 11 experienced an abusive level of compressive or impact force.When such a secondary electrical circuit (not shown) is employed, thecompression sensing system 50 is capable of sensing different levels ofcompressive or impact force (e.g., the secondary circuit is closed whena “mild” or “low” compressive or impact force is experienced, while theprimary circuit 51 is closed when an “abusive” or “high” compressive orimpact force is experienced).

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records sensed compression events for laterreview by the program administrator. The specific information recordedand reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from therelatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportthe occurrence of at least one sensed abusive compression event duringthe assignment period. Alternatively, the central microcontroller unit20 can record and report the number of sensed abusive compression eventsoccurring during an assignment period and the duration of each sensedabusive compression period. A nonexhaustive list of options forrecording and reporting abusive compression event data is set forth inTable One, provided below.

TABLE ONE (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING ABUSIVE COMPRESSION EVENTDATA) OP- DATA SAMPLE TION DESCRIPTION RECORDED REPORT 1 Records andreports occurrence of YES/NO Light first abusive compression eventON/OFF only. 2 Records and reports number of Number “3.” separateabusive compression events. 3 Records and reports highest relative ForceLevel High strength of abusive compressive (Low/High) force sensedduring an assignment period. 5 Records and reports the number of # 1:Low abusive compression events sensed Force Level 2: Low during anassignment period and (Low/High) 3: High the highest relative strengthof the 4: Low compressive force sensed for each abusive compressionevent. 6 Records and reports the number of # Low 3 Low abusivecompression events of each # High 1 High type (i.e., high and low)sensed during an assignment period. 7 Records and reports the number and#/Seconds 1: 01 duration of each abusive 2: 01 compression event sensedduring an 3: 08 assignment period. 4: 02

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 is connectedto a system (not shown) capable of generating a perceptible compressiondistress signal S₃, such as an audible cry or scream. The centralmicrocontroller unit 20 is programmed to generate the perceptiblecompression distress signal S₃ when abusive compression is sensed.Generation of the perceptible compression distress signal S₃ warns thestudent caring for the infant simulator 05 that the infant simulator 05is being subjected to an abusive compression. The compression distresssignal S₃ can be terminated, optionally after an appropriate delay, andtiming of the abusive compression period ended, by removing the externalevent responsible for the abusive compression (e.g., removing the handof a young sibling squeezing the head 11 of the infant simulator 05),thereby reopening the compression sensing electrical circuit 51 andterminating transmission of an electrical signal from the electricalcircuit 51 to the central microcontroller unit 20.

The central microcontroller unit 20 may optionally be programmed toinitiate a rocking-request event immediately after termination of thecompression distress signal S₃ for purposes of simulating a need forcomforting of the infant simulator 05 after the infliction of such anabusive event.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible compression distress signal S₃ only at the beginning of anabusive compression event (i.e., generate a three second signal as soonas abusive compression is sensed), continuously throughout an abusivecompression period, or continuously throughout an abusive compressionperiod and for an additional time period after abusive compression ofthe infant simulator 05 has ceased, for purposes of simulating injury tothe infant simulator 05.

A preferred embodiment of the compression sensing system 50 combinesboth the recording/reporting and signaling systems.

The compression distress signal S₃ may be intensified, in accordancewith the ancillary feature of providing an escalating demand signal 240,based upon (i) an increase in the maximum sensed compressive force,and/or (ii) an increase in the duration of the abusive compressionperiod. An example of each is set forth in Table Two, provided below.

TABLE TWO (ESCALATING DISTRESS SIGNAL) ABUSIVE STRENGTH OF COMPRESSIONCOMPRESSIVE PERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL DURATION FORCE (AUDIBLE) (SECONDS) (° C.)1^(st) Intensity (cry) <5 Low 2^(nd) Intensity (scream) >5 High

The compression sensing module 130 may optionally communicate with asound recorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360upon detection of abusive compression, and recording any verbal commentsor statements made near the infant simulator 05 during an abusivecompression period.

The compression sensing module 130 may also include an ancillarycomatose feature 280 based upon (i) the sensing of a compressive forcein excess of a defined threshold (e.g., 100 N), and/or (ii) a durationof an abusive compression period in excess of a defined threshold (e.g.,10 seconds).

Impact

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a motion sensor 70 capableof detecting physical abuse of the mannequin 10 such as by shaking,striking or throwing of the infant simulator 05. Such an abuse sensingsystem is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,388 issued to Jurmain et al.

A number of different types and styles of motion sensors 70 may beeffectively used to sense and report physical abuse. One such sensor,capable of providing variable output dependent upon the force of themotion to which the infant simulator 05 is subjected, is a magneticfield induced shock sensor manufactured by Directed Electronics, Inc.under Part No. 504IC, wherein movement of a magnet, resulting from acorresponding movement of the mannequin 10, generates an electricalcurrent in an induction coil, with the strength of the electricalcurrent proportional to the speed and distance traveled by the magnet.

An alternative motion sensor 70′, effective for sensing gentle motions(e.g., rocking and patting), rough handling (e.g., accidental abuse andintentional abuse), as well as position (e.g., right side up or down) isshown in FIG. 6. Briefly, the alternative motion sensor 70′ comprises aplastic housing 71 defining a generally spherical chamber 72 andcontaining a metal sphere 73 which is free to move within the chamber 72at the slightest accelerative movement of the housing 71. The housing 71is constructed from a material transparent to infrared (IR) light. Anelement combining an IR light source 74 and IR phototransistor 75, suchas a QRD1113 element available from QT Optoelectronics or an EE-SY124element available from Omron, are mounted directly under the housing 71.The IR light source 74 shines IR light into the chamber 72 through thetransparent plastic housing 71, where the light is reflected by themetal sphere 73 and the reflected IR light received by thephototransistor 75. Movement of the sphere 73 within the chamber 72changes the amount of IR light reflected to the phototransistor 75,causing the electrical current flowing through the phototransistor 75 tofluctuate. If the sphere 73 is motionless, the reflected light isconstant, and the current through the phototransistor 75 remainsconstant. Furthermore, when the sphere 73 is stationary, the sphere 73will reflect more light towards the phototransistor 75 the closer thesphere 73 is to the IR light source 74, thereby causing a higher currentto flow through the phototransistor 75. Hence, motion can be sensed bymeasuring and evaluating fluctuations in the electrical current flowingthrough the phototransistor 75, and position can be sensed by measuringand evaluating the amount of current flowing through the phototransistor75 when the current is not fluctuating.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to look for fivecharacteristic patterns of current flow through the phototransistor 75and equate such patterns with a particular condition as set forth belowin Table Three.

TABLE THREE (CONDITIONS EQUATED WITH CURRENT PATTERN) CURRENT PATTERNCONDITION Constant Current Infant Simulator is Motionless. Slow andSmall Changes Rocking or Patting of Infant Simulator in Current Rapidand Large Changes Rough Handling of Infant in Current High CurrentLevels Infant simulator Resting in First Position (e.g., Face Up) LowCurrent Levels Infant simulator Resting in Second Position (e.g., FaceDown)

Referring generally to FIG. 7, the microcontroller unit 20 can generallyreceive and evaluate current changes and high current levels directlyfrom the EE-SY124 element. An inductor 76 and operational amplifier 77(op amp), such as a CA3130AE element available from DigiKey, tuned toamplify the slightest change in current flow into a full-scale squarewave at the output of the op amp 77, is provided where constant currentand low current levels need to be received and evaluated by the centralmicrocontroller unit 20.

The motion sensor 70 is electrically connected to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 wherein the strength of the electrical signalgenerated by the motion sensor 70 can be checked against predefinedthreshold limitations for producing different signals. This permits asingle motion sensor 70 to differentiate between a modest force, such asproduced by normal handling, rocking and burping of the infant simulator05, and excessive force, such as experienced when the infant simulator05 is thrown, shaken or otherwise abused. This allows use of the samemotion sensor 70 to sense rocking, patting and abuse. When motionexceeding a defined amplitude is sensed, an electrical physical injurysignal is sent to the central microcontroller unit 20 and an injuryevent reported.

As a general matter, intentional abuse can, with certain exception, bedifferentiated from accidental or unintentional abuse based upon theduration of the motion. A singular brief impact (e.g., lasting less thanabout 2 seconds) is usually indicative of an accidentally orunintentionally imposed injury. Exemplary of such accidental briefabuses are dropping an infant onto the floor or banging an infant's headwhen entering an automobile. In contrast, multiple impacts over aprolonged period (e.g., more than about 3 seconds) are usually theresult of intentional abuse. Exemplary of such intentional prolongedabuses are striking and/or shaking an infant. While certain exceptionsapply to these general statements, as exemplified by throwing an infantagainst a wall (a brief but intentional abuse) and falling down a flightof stairs while holding an infant (a prolonged but accidental event),separately reporting each of these types of abuse would assist programadministrators in providing meaningful feedback to the student andappropriate follow-up training and/or counseling. An exemplary dualabuse detection and reporting system is shown in connection with theimpact sensing module 430 shown in FIG. 2 n.

As generally represented in FIG. 2 n, when a single impact of sufficientforce is detected by the motion sensor 70, the impact sensing module 430is activated and, after a short delay of a second or two, the module 430checks for any subsequent abusive impacts. In the event that nosubsequent abusive impacts are detected (i.e., a single brief impact isdetected) the impact sensing module 430 enters the dropped infantsubmodule 431. In the event that subsequent abusive impacts are detected(i.e., prolonged abuse is detected) the impact sensor module 430 entersthe shaken infant submodule 432.

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records the occurrence of an accidental abuseevent whenever the dropped infant submodule 431 is entered, and theoccurrence of an intentional abuse event whenever the shaken infantsubmodule 432 is entered, for later review by the program administrator.The specific information recorded and reported by the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can range from the relatively simple to thecomplex. For example, the central microcontroller unit 20 can beprogrammed to simply record and report the occurrence of each type ofevent during the assignment period. Alternatively, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can record and report the number of each type ofevent sensed during an assignment period and the duration of each sensedevent. A nonexhaustive list of options for recording and reportingaccidental and intentional abuse event data is set forth in Table Four,provided below.

TABLE FOUR (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING ACCIDENTAL ANDINTENTIONAL ABUSE EVENT DATA) DATA OPTION DESCRIPTION RECORDED SAMPLEREPORT 1 Records and reports occurrence of YES/NO ACCIDENTAL first eventof each type only. ABUSE: Light ON/OFF INTENTIONAL ABUSE: Light ON/OFF 2Records and reports number of Number ACCIDENTAL 2 separate events ofeach type. INTENTIONAL 1 3 Records and reports the number and #/SecondsACCIDENTAL 1: 02 duration of each event of each type ACCIDENTAL 2: 01sensed during an assignment INTENTIONAL 1: 18 period. ACCIDENTAL 3: 02

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 is connectedto a system (not shown) capable of generating a perceptible impactdistress signal S₁₀, such as an audible cry or scream. The centralmicrocontroller unit 20 is programmed to generate the perceptible impactdistress signal S₁₀ when abuse is sensed. Generation of the perceptibleimpact distress signal S₁₀ informs the student caring for the infantsimulator 05 that the infant simulator 05 is being abused. The impactdistress signal S₁₀ can be terminated, optionally after an appropriatedelay, and any timing of the abuse period under the shaken infantsubmodule 432 ended, by removing the external event responsible for theimpact(s) (e.g., stop shaking the infant simulator 05) thereby endingmovement of the magnet within the motion sensor 70 and terminatingtransmission of an electrical signal from the motion sensor 70 to thecentral microcontroller unit 20.

The central microcontroller unit 20 may optionally be programmed toinitiate a rocking-request event immediately after termination of theimpact distress signal S₁₀ for purposes of simulating a need forcomforting of the infant simulator 05 after the infliction of such anabusive event.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible impact distress signal S₁₀ only at the beginning of an abuseperiod (i.e., generate a three second signal as soon as an impact issensed), continuously throughout an abuse period, or continuouslythroughout an abuse period and for an additional time period after abuseof the infant simulator 05 has ceased for purposes of simulating injuryto the infant simulator 05.

A preferred embodiment of the physical abuse sensing system 50 combinesboth the recording/reporting and signaling systems for each of thedropped infant submodule 431 and shaken infant submodule 432.

The impact distress signal S₁₀ may be intensified, in accordance withthe ancillary feature of providing an escalating demand signal 240,based upon (i) an increase in the maximum sensed impact, and/or (ii) anincrease in the duration of the abuse period. An example of each is setforth in Table Five, provided below.

TABLE FIVE (ESCALATING DISTRESS SIGNAL) STRENGTH OF PERCEPTIBLE SIGNALABUSE PERIOD DURATION ABUSIVE (AUDIBLE) (SECONDS) FORCE 1^(st) Intensity(cry) <5 Low 2^(nd) Intensity (scream) >5 High

The motion sensor 70 and/or the central microcontroller unit 20 mayoptionally communicate with a sound recorder 360 for initiatingoperation of the sound recorder 360 upon detection of physical abuse andthereby recording any verbal comments or statements made near the infantsimulator 05 during a physical abuse period.

The shaken infant submodule 432 may also include an ancillary comatosefeature 280 based upon (i) an impact of a force in excess of a definedthreshold (e.g., 100 N), and/or (ii) an abuse period lasting in excessof a defined threshold (e.g., 10 seconds).

Position Sensing System 30

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a position sensor 30, suchas a mercury switch or roller ball switch, capable of sensing thevertical and horizontal positioning of the infant simulator 05 andcommunicating the sensed position as between an acceptable position(switch open) and an unacceptable position (switch closed) to thecentral microcontroller unit 20. Acceptable positioning includes layingon its back or side, while unacceptable positioning includes laying facedown or upside down. Suitable positioning sensors are available from anumber of manufacturers. One suitable position sensing switch is an SPSTSMT normally open switch manufactured by ITT Canon under Part No.KSC421JD. An alternative position sensing switch is the sensor 70′ shownin FIGS. 6 and 7 and described in connection with the impact physicalabuse sensing system.

In order to avoid the sensing of routine handling as an unacceptablepositioning of the infant simulator 05, the central microcontroller unit20 is preferably programmed with a threshold time value, such as 3 to 10seconds, which must be exceeded before a sensed unacceptable positioningis recorded/reported and/or signaled as an unacceptable positioning ofthe infant simulator 05.

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records occurrences of unacceptable positioningfor later review by the program administrator. The specific informationrecorded and reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can rangefrom the relatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportthat the infant simulator 05 was unacceptably positioned at least onceduring the assignment period. Alternatively, the central microcontrollerunit 20 can record and report the number of times the infant simulator05 was unacceptably positioned and the duration of each occurrence. Anonexhaustive list of options for recording and reporting positioningdata is set forth in Table Six, provided below.

TABLE SIX (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING UNACCEPTABLE POSITIONINGDATA) DATA OPTION DESCRIPTION RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Records andreports that the infant YES/NO Light ON/OFF simulator was unacceptablypositioned at least once during the assignment period. 2 Records andreports the number of Number “5.” times the infant simulator wasunacceptably positioned. 3 Records and reports total amount of Minutes45 time the infant simulator was unacceptably positioned during anassignment period. 4 Records and reports the number of #/Minutes 5: 45times the infant simulator was unacceptably positioned and the totalamount of time the infant simulator was unacceptably positioned. 5Records and reports the number of #/Minutes 5: 45 times the infantsimulator was Minutes 03 unacceptably positioned, the total amount oftime the infant simulator was unacceptably positioned, and the meanduration of each occurrence. 6 Separately records and reports the#/Minutes 1: 03 amount of time the infant simulator 2: 18 remained in anunacceptable 3: 20 position for each occurrence during 4: 02 anassignment period. 5: 02 7 Records and reports the number of #/Minutes5: 45 times the infant simulator was Minutes 03:18:20:02:02 unacceptablypositioned, the total amount of time the infant simulator wasunacceptably positioned, and the amount of time the infant simulatorremained in an unacceptable position for each occurrence during anassignment period.

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 is connectedto a system (not shown) capable of generating a repositioning-requestsignal S₁, such as an audible cry or scream. The central microcontrollerunit 20 is programmed to generate the repositioning-request signal S₁whenever the infant simulator 05 is placed in an unacceptable position(e.g., laying face down or upside down) and left in that position beyonda minimum threshold time period (e.g., ten seconds). Generation of therepositioning-request signal S₁ warns the person caring for the infantsimulator 05 that the infant simulator 05 is in an improper position andcorrective action is required. The repositioning-request signal S₁ andtiming of the positioning-request episode can be terminated by simplyrepositioning the infant simulator 05 into an acceptable position,thereby opening the position sensor 30 and terminating transmission ofan electrical signal from the position sensor 30 to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate therepositioning-request signal S₁ only at the beginning of each occurrenceof improper positioning (i.e., generate a three second signal once theinfant simulator 05 is sensed in an unacceptable position for longerthan the minimum threshold time period), periodically throughout animproper positioning occurrence, or continuously throughout an improperpositioning occurrence.

A preferred embodiment of the position sensing system 30 combines boththe recording/reporting and signaling systems.

The repositioning-request signal S₁ may be intensified, in accordancewith the ancillary feature of providing an escalated demand signal 240,based upon an increase in the length of time the infant simulator 05 isunacceptably positioned. An example is set forth in Table Seven below.

TABLE SEVEN (ESCALATING REPOSITIONING-REQUEST SIGNAL) LENGTH OF TIMEINFANT SIMULATOR REMAINS IN STRENGTH OF AN UNACCEPTABLE PERCEPTIBLESIGNAL POSITION (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES) 1^(st) Intensity (soft cry) <102^(nd) Intensity (loud cry) >10

The position sensing system 30 may optionally communicate with a soundrecorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upondetection of improper positioning, and thereby recording any verbalcomments or statements made near the infant simulator 05 for a definedtime period (e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the repositioning-request signalS₁ has been generated.

Loud Sound Sensing System 480

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a sound sensor 340, such asthe sound-activated relay or the sound-level meter diagrammed in RadioShack Notebook #276-5011A, capable of sensing the decibel level ofsounds to which the infant simulator 05 is exposed and communicating anysensed sounds exceeding a threshold value (e.g., 80 decibels) to thecentral microcontroller unit 20.

In order to avoid detection of the infant simulator's 05 own cryingand/or screaming as a loud sound exposure event, the loud sound sensingsystem 480 can either (i) establish the threshold decibel level abovethe loudest decibel level generated by the infant simulator 05, or (ii)arresting the sensing and/or recording of sounds whenever the infantsimulator 05 is generating a demand or distress signal. When option (ii)is elected, it is generally preferred to have the demand or distresssignal generated periodically throughout the period so as to limit thetime periods during which the sound sensing system 480 is inoperable.

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records any instances of sensed sounds exceedingthe threshold value for later review by the program administrator. Thespecific information recorded and reported by the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can range from the relatively simple to thecomplex. For example, the central microcontroller unit 20 can beprogrammed to simply record and report whether a sound exceeding thethreshold value was sensed at least once during the assignment period.Alternatively, the central microcontroller unit 20 can activate a soundrecorder 360 and record the actual sounds to which the infant simulator05 is being exposed. A nonexhaustive list of options for recording andreporting loud sound exposure data is set forth in Table Eight below.

TABLE EIGHT (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING LOUD SOUND EXPOSUREDATA) DATA OPTION DESCRIPTION RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Records andreports only fact that YES/NO Light ON/OFF loud sound sensed at leastonce during assignment period (i.e., occurrence of a loud sound exposureevent). 2 Records and reports number of loud Number “3.” sound exposureevents. 3 Records and reports highest decibel dB “96 dB” level sensedduring assignment period. 5 Records and reports the number and #/dB 1:92 highest decibel level for each loud 2: 96 sound exposure period. 3:80 4: 88 6 Records and reports the number and #/Minutes 1: 06 durationof each loud sound 2: 18 exposure period. 3: 02 4: 02 7 Records andreports the number of #/dB 1: 86, 92, 90 loud sound exposure periods and2: 96, 96, 96, 96, continuously records and reports 96, 96, 96, 96, thedB level throughout a loud 96. sound exposure period. 3: 80 4: 88 8Records actual sounds during loud Actual Sounds Jet Engine. soundexposure periods on a sound Loud Rock Music. recorder for playback.Student Screaming Student Screaming

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 isprogrammed with defined upper threshold decibel level (e.g., 80 dB) andconnected to a system (not shown) capable of generating a perceptibleloud sound exposure signal S₁₆. The central microcontroller unit 20 isprogrammed to generate the perceptible loud sound exposure signal S₁₆when the sensed sounds exceed the threshold decibel level. Generation ofthe perceptible loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ warns the student caringfor the infant simulator 05 that the surrounding noise has reached anunacceptable decibel level and corrective action is required. The loudsound exposure signal S₁₆ and timing of the loud sound exposure periodcan be terminated by removing the infant simulator 05 from theenvironment generating the loud sounds (e.g., carrying the infantsimulator 05 out of the room) or locating the source of the loud soundsand reducing the volume (e.g., turning down the stereo or quieting ascreaming toddler), thereby returning the decibel level below thethreshold value and ceasing transmission of an electrical signal fromthe sound sensor 340 to the central microcontroller unit 20.

The central microcontroller unit 20 may optionally be programmed toinitiate a rocking-request event immediately after termination of theloud sound exposure signal S₁₆ for purposes of simulating a need forcomforting of the infant simulator 05 after the occurrence of such astartling event.

A preferred embodiment of the loud sound sensing system 480 combinesboth the recording/reporting and signaling systems.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ only at the beginning of aloud sound exposure period (i.e., generate a ten second signal as soonas a sensed sound exceeds the threshold decibel level), periodicallythroughout a loud sound exposure period (e.g., generate a two secondsignal every minute once the sensed sounds exceed the threshold decibellevel until the sensed sounds fall below the threshold decibel level),or continuously throughout a loud sound exposure period.

The loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ may be intensified, in accordancewith the ancillary feature of providing an escalated demand signal 240,based upon (i) an increase in the difference between the sensed decibellevel and the threshold value, and/or (ii) an increase in the durationof the loud sound exposure period. An example of each is set forth inTable Nine, provided below.

TABLE NINE (ESCALATING LOUD SOUND EXPOSURE SIGNAL) LOUD SOUND STRENGTHOF EXPOSURE DB LEVEL BEYOND PERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL DURATION ACCEPTABLE LIMIT(AUDIBLE) (MINUTES) (DB) 1^(st) Intensity (whimper)  <5 <10 2^(nd)Intensity (scream) 5 to 10 10 to 20 3^(rd) Intensity (shriek) >10 >20

The loud sound sensing system 480 may optionally communicate with asound recorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360upon detection of sounds exceeding the threshold value, and recordingthe sounds responsible for initiating the loud sound exposure period.Such recording may continue for a defined time period (e.g., 3 to 5minutes) or for the entire duration of a loud sound exposure period.

The sound sensor 340, as with the central microcontroller unit 20 andbattery pack 25, is preferably equipped with a tamper indicating device(not shown) for purposes of signaling and/or recording and reportingefforts to remove or otherwise access the sound sensor 340.

Overstimulation Sensing System 340

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a motion sensor 70 and/or asound sensor 340 for sensing movement and/or environmental sounds towhich the infant simulator 05 is exposed and communicating sensedmovement and/or sounds to the central microcontroller unit 20.

A number of different types and styles of motion sensors 70 may beeffectively used to sense and report physical stimulation of the infantsimulator 05. One such sensor, capable of providing variable outputdependent upon the force of the motion to which the infant simulator 05is subjected, is a magnetic field induced shock sensor manufactured byDirected Electronics, Inc. under Part No. 504IC, wherein movement of amagnet, resulting from a corresponding movement of the mannequin 10,generates an electrical current in an induction coil, with the strengthof the electrical current proportional to the speed and distancetraveled by the magnet. An alternative motion sensor is sensor 70′ shownin FIGS. 6 and 7 and described in connection with the impact physicalabuse sensing system.

Similarly, a number of different types and styles of sound sensors 340may be effectively used to sense and report sounds reaching the infantsimulator 05. One such sensor, capable of providing variable outputdependent upon the decibel level of the sound reaching the infantsimulator 05, is the sound-level meter diagrammed in Radio ShackNotebook #276-5011A referenced previously.

The motion sensor 70 and/or sound sensor 340 is electrically connectedto the central microcontroller unit 20 wherein the duration and/orperiodicity of the electrical signal generated by the motion sensor 70and/or sound sensor 340 can be checked against predefined thresholdlimitations for transmitting an electrical overstimulation signal to thecentral microcontroller unit 20 when the threshold limit is exceeded.Upon receiving the electrical overstimulation signal, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can generate an overstimulation signal and/orrecord and report an overstimulation event.

The types of motions and sounds sensed for purposes of detectingoverstimulation are those having a strength/volume which are generallyencountered and accepted by infants (i.e., they are not abusive,injurious or pernicious). Exemplary motions and sounds factored intodetermining the occurrence of an overestimation event includespecifically, but not exclusively motions associated with bathing,patting to elicit a burp, routine conversation, diapering, dressing,feeding, hugging, rocking, rubbing of the stomach, light tickling,twirling, sounds typically emanating from a radio or television, etc.

In order to avoid the sensing of routine periods of handling as anoverstimulation event, the central microcontroller unit 20 is preferablyprogrammed to require the occurrence of at least one detectablemotion/sound in each of several consecutive sampling periods with thetotal duration of the combined sampling periods lasting significantlylonger than the longest demand period (e.g., 120 consecutive samplingperiods of 30 seconds for a total of 60 minutes when the longestpossible demand period is 30 minutes).

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records occurrences of overstimulation for laterreview by the program administrator. The specific information recordedand reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from therelatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportthat the infant simulator 05 was subjected to overstimulation at leastonce during the assignment period. Alternatively, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can record and report the number of times theinfant simulator 05 was overstimulated and the duration of eachoverstimulation event. A nonexhaustive list of options for recording andreporting overstimulation data is set forth in Table Ten, providedbelow.

TABLE TEN (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING OVERSTIMULATION DATA)DATA OPTION DESCRIPTION RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Records and reportsthat the infant YES/NO Light ON/OFF simulator was overstimulated atleast once during the assignment period. 2 Records and reports thenumber of Number “3” times the infant simulator was overstimulated. 3Records and reports total amount of Minutes 45 time the infant simulatorremained overstimulated during an assignment period. 4 Records andreports the number of #/Minutes 3: 45 times the infant simulator wasoverstimulated and the total amount of time the infant simulatorremained overstimulated. 5 Records and reports the number of #/Minutes3: 45 times the infant simulator was Minutes 03 overstimulated, thetotal amount of time the infant simulator remained overstimulated, andthe mean duration of the overstimulation periods. 6 Records and reportsthe amount of #/Minutes 1: 41 time the infant simulator remained 2: 01overstimulated for each occurrence 3: 03 during an assignment period. 7Records and reports the number of #/Minutes 3: 45 times the infantsimulator was Minutes 41:01:03 overstimulated, the total amount of timethe infant simulator was overstimulated, and the amount of time theinfant simulator remained overstimulated for each overstimulation eventoccurring during an assignment period.

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 is connectedto a system (not shown) capable of generating an overstimulation signalS₁₂, such as an audible cry or scream. The central microcontroller unit20 is programmed to generate the overstimulation signal S₁₂ wheneveroverstimulation is detected. Generation of the overstimulation signalS₁₂ warns the person caring for the infant simulator 05 that the infantsimulator 05 has been overstimulated and corrective action (i.e., quiettime) is required. The overstimulation signal S₁₂ and timing of theoverstimulation event can be terminated by suspending handling of theinfant simulator 05 and/or removing the infant simulator 05 from thenoisy environment so as to terminate transmission of an electricalsignal from the motion sensor 70 and/or sound sensor 340 to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 for an appropriate period (i.e., 5 to 20minutes).

The central microcontroller unit 20 may optionally be programmed toinitiate a rocking-request event immediately after termination of theoverstimulation signal S₁₂ for purposes of simulating a need forcomforting of the infant simulator 05 in order to calm the infantsimulator 05.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theoverstimulation signal S₁₂ only at the beginning of each overstimulationevent (i.e., generate a three second signal once an overstimulationevent is detected), periodically throughout an overstimulation event(i.e., generate a three second signal once every thirty seconds after anoverstimulation event is detected), or continuously throughout anoverstimulation event.

A preferred embodiment of the overstimulation sensing system 440combines both the recording/reporting and signaling systems.

The overstimulation signal S₁₂ may be intensified, in accordance withthe ancillary feature of providing an escalated demand signal 240, basedupon an increase in the length of time the infant simulator 05 remainsoverstimulated. An example is set forth in Table Eleven, provided below.

TABLE ELEVEN (ESCALATING OVERSTIMULATION SIGNAL) STRENGTH OF LENGTH OFTIME INFANT OVERSTIMULATION SIMULATOR REMAINS SIGNAL OVERSTIMULATED(AUDIBLE) (MINUTES) 1^(st) Intensity (soft cry) <10 2^(nd) Intensity(loud cry) >10

The overstimulation module 440 may optionally communicate with a soundrecorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upondetection of overstimulation, and thereby recording any verbal commentsor statements made near the infant simulator 05 for a defined timeperiod (e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the overstimulation signal S₁₂ has beengenerated.

Smoking Detector System 320

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a smoke detector 320capable of detecting environmental smoke and communicating an instanceof detected smoke to the central microcontroller unit 20.

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records the occurrence of a smoke exposure eventfor later review by the program administrator. The specific informationrecorded and reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can rangefrom the relatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportwhether the infant simulator 05 was exposed to detectable levels ofsmoke at least once during the assignment period. Alternatively, thecentral microcontroller unit 20 can record and report the number andindividual duration of smoke exposures periods occurring within theassignment period. A nonexhaustive list of options for recording andreporting smoke exposure data is set forth in Table Twelve, providedbelow.

TABLE TWELVE (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING SMOKE EXPOSURE DATA)DATA SAMPLE OPTION DESCRIPTION RECORDED REPORT 1 Records and reportsthat smoke YES/NO Light was detected at least once during ON/OFF theassignment period (i.e., a smoke exposure period occurred). 2 Recordsand reports number of Number “3.” smoke exposure periods occurringduring assignment period. 3 Records and reports the number #/Minutes 1:02 and duration of each smoke 2: 05 exposure period occurring during 3:03 assignment period.

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 iselectrically connected to a system (not shown) capable of generating aperceptible smoke exposure signal S₉. The central microcontroller unit20 is programmed to generate the perceptible smoke exposure signal S₉when smoke is detected. Generation of the perceptible smoke exposuresignal S₉ warns the student caring for the infant simulator 05 that theinfant simulator 05 is being exposed to unacceptable levels of smoke.The smoke exposure signal S₉ and timing of the smoke exposure period canbe terminated by removing the infant simulator 05 from the unacceptablysmoky environment (e.g., removing the infant simulator 05 from theroom), thereby terminating detection of a smoky environment and ceasingtransmission of an electrical signal from the smoke detector 320 to thecentral microcontroller unit 20.

The central microcontroller unit 20 may optionally be programmed toinitiate a rocking-request event immediately after termination of thesmoke exposure signal S₉ for purposes of simulating a need forcomforting of the infant simulator 05 after such an exposure to a smokyenvironment.

A preferred embodiment of the smoke detector module 420 combines boththe recording/reporting and signaling systems.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible smoke exposure signal S₉ only at the beginning of a smokeexposure period (i.e., generate a ten second signal as soon as smoke isdetected), periodically throughout a smoke exposure period (e.g.,generate a two second signal every minute once smoke is detected untilsmoke is no longer detected), or continuously throughout a smokeexposure period.

The smoke exposure signal S₉ may be intensified, in accordance with theancillary feature of providing an escalated demand signal 240, basedupon a prolonged exposure to smoke. An example of is set forth in TableThirteen, provided below.

TABLE THIRTEEN (ESCALATING SMOKE EXPOSURE SIGNAL) STRENGTH OFPERCEPTIBLE SMOKE EXPOSURE SIGNAL DURATION (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES) 1^(st)Intensity (whimper) <2 2^(nd) Intensity (cough) 2 to 5 3^(rd) Intensity(cough and scream) >5

The smoke detector system 320 may optionally communicate with a soundrecorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upondetection of smoke, and thereby recording any verbal comments orstatements made near the infant simulator 05 for a defined time period(e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the smoke exposure signal S₉ has beengenerated.

The smoke detector 320, as with the central microcontroller unit 20 andbattery pack 25, is preferably equipped with a tamper indicating device(not shown) for purposes of signaling and/or recording and reportingefforts to remove or otherwise access the smoke detector 320.

Sun Exposure Sensing System

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a light sensor 350, such asa CDS Photo Cell, Mouser stock number 524-611-J4-805 available fromMouser Electronics, for sensing the quantity of light striking theinfant simulator 05 and communicating the sensed illuminance to thecentral microcontroller unit 20.

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records instances where the sensed illuminanceexceeds a defined threshold value, wherein the threshold value isestablished at a level effective for differentiating between acceptableexposure to artificial lighting or indirect sunlight, and unacceptableexposure to direct sunlight (e.g., 2,000 foot-candles). Such recordedsun exposure data is then available for later review by a programadministrator. The specific sun exposure information recorded andreported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from therelatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportwhether the sensed illuminance exceeded the threshold value at leastonce during the assignment period. Alternatively, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can record illuminance values every two minutesthroughout an entire assignment period and graphically report therecorded illuminance at the end of the assignment period. Anonexhaustive list of options for recording and reporting sun exposuredata is set forth in Table Fourteen, provided below.

TABLE FOURTEEN (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING SUN EXPOSURE DATA)DATA OPTION DESCRIPTION RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Records and reportsthat sensed YES/NO Light ON/OFF illuminance exceeded threshold value atleast once during an assignment period (i.e., a sun exposure eventoccurred). 2 Records and reports number of sun Number “3” exposureevents. 3 Records and reports highest Foot-candles 6,200 illuminanceexperienced during all sun exposure periods occurring during theassignment period. 4 Records and reports the number of #/Foot-candles 1:6000 sun exposure events and highest 2: 6200 illuminance for each sunexposure 3: 5350 period. 5 Records and reports the number of #/Minutes1: 06 sun exposure events and duration of 2: 18 each sun exposureperiod. 3: 02 6 Records and reports the number of #/Foot-candles 1:6000, 6000, 6000, sun exposure events and 6000. continuously records andreports 2: 5500, 5500, 5600, illuminance throughout each sun 5800, 5800,5800, exposure period. 5900, 6200, 6200, 6200. 3: 5350, 5000 7Continuously records and reports Minutes/Foot- 02: 1200 illuminancethroughout an candles 04: 1400 assignment period. 06: 1200 08: 1200 10:1200 . . .

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 is connectedto a system (not shown) capable of generating a perceptible sun exposuresignal S₁₅. The central microcontroller unit 20 is programmed togenerate the perceptible sun exposure signal S₁₅ when the sensedilluminance exceeds the defined threshold value. Generation of theperceptible sun exposure signal S₁₅ warns the student caring for theinfant simulator 05 that the infant simulator 05 is being exposed todirect sunlight and must be protected. The sun exposure signal S₁₅ andtiming of the sun exposure period can be terminated by removing theinfant simulator 05 from direct sunlight (e.g., shading the infant withan umbrella or moving the infant to a shaded area).

The central microcontroller unit 20 may optionally be programmed toinitiate a rocking-request event immediately after termination of thesun exposure signal S₁₅ for purposes of simulating a need for comfortingof the infant simulator 05 after such a startling exposure to sunlight.

A preferred embodiment of the sun exposure module 470 combines both therecording/reporting and signaling systems.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible sun exposure signal S₁₅ only at the beginning of a sunexposure period (i.e., generate a ten second signal as soon as a sensedilluminance exceeds the threshold value), periodically throughout a sunexposure period (e.g., generate a two second signal every minute oncethe sensed illuminance exceeds the threshold value until the sensedilluminance falls below the threshold value), or continuously throughouta sun exposure period.

The sun exposure signal S₁₅ may be intensified, in accordance with theancillary feature of providing an escalated demand signal 240, basedupon (i) an increase in the difference between the sensed illuminanceand the threshold value, and/or (ii) an increase in the duration of thesun exposure period. An example of each is set forth in Table Fifteen,provided below.

TABLE FIFTEEN (ESCALATING SUN EXPOSURE SIGNAL) STRENGTH OF SUN EXPOSUREILLUMINANCE OVER PERCEPTIBLE DURATION THRESHOLD VALUE SIGNAL (AUDIBLE)(MINUTES) (FOOT-CANDLES) 1^(st) Intensity (whimper)  <5  <500 2^(nd)Intensity (cry) 5 to 20 500 to 2000 3^(rd) Intensity (shriek) >20 >2000

The sun exposure module 470 may optionally communicate with a soundrecorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upongeneration of the sun exposure signal S₁₅, and thereby recording anyverbal comments or statements made near the infant simulator 05 for adefined time period (e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the sun exposure signalS₁₅ has been generated.

The sun exposure module 470 may also include the ancillary feature ofentry into a comatose state 280 based upon (i) the sensing of anilluminance far in excess of a defined threshold (e.g., 5,000foot-candles over a threshold value of 2,000 foot-candles), and/or (ii)the duration of a sun exposure period in excess of a defined threshold(e.g., 60 minutes).

The light sensor 350, as with the central microcontroller unit 20 andbattery pack 25, is preferably equipped with a tamper indicating device(not shown) for purposes of signaling and/or recording and reportingefforts to remove or otherwise access the light sensor 350.

Temperature Sensing System 40

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a temperature sensor 40,such as a simple thermister, capable of sensing the environmentaltemperatures to which the infant simulator 05 is exposed andcommunicating the sensed temperatures to the central microcontrollerunit 20.

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records the sensed temperatures for later reviewby the program administrator. The specific information recorded andreported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from therelatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportwhether the sensed environmental temperature fell outside a definedacceptable temperature range (e.g., 10° C. and 40° C., preferably 15° C.and 35° C.) at least once during the assignment period. Alternatively,the central microcontroller unit 20 can record temperature values everytwo minutes throughout an entire assignment period and graphicallyreport the recorded temperatures at the end of the assignment period. Anonexhaustive list of options for recording and reporting thermalexposure data is set forth in Table Sixteen, provided below.

TABLE SIXTEEN (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING THERMAL EXPOSUREDATA) DATA OPTION DESCRIPTION RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Records andreports that sensed YES/NO Light ON/OFF temperature fell outside ofacceptable temperature range at least once during the assignment period(i.e., a thermal exposure period occurred). 2 Records and reports numberof Number “3.” thermal exposure events occurring within the assignmentperiod. 3 Records and reports high and low ° C. 22° C.: 49° C.temperature extremes sensed during the assignment period. 4 Records andreports the number of ° C. 1: 42° C. thermal exposure events and the 2:49° C. temperature extreme for each 3: 45° C. thermal exposure period. 5Records and reports the number of #/Minutes 1: 06 thermal exposureevents and the 2: 18 duration of each thermal exposure 3: 02 period. 6Records and reports the number of #1° C. 1: 42, 42, 42, 42 thermalexposure events and 2: 41, 43, 45, 46, continuously records and reports47, 47, 47, 49, the temperature throughout a 45, 42, 41 thermal exposureperiod. 3: 43, 45 7 Continuously records and reports Minutes/° C. 02: 27the temperature throughout an 04: 27 assignment period. 06: 28 08: 2910: 28 . . .

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 isprogrammed with defined upper and lower temperature limits (e.g., 10° C.and 40° C., preferably 15° C. and 35° C.) and connected to a system (notshown) capable of generating a perceptible thermal exposure signal S₂.The central microcontroller unit 20 is programmed to generate theperceptible thermal exposure signal S₂ when the sensed temperature fallsoutside the acceptable temperature range. Generation of the perceptiblethermal exposure signal S₂ warns the student caring for the infantsimulator 05 that the environmental temperature has reached anunacceptable level and corrective action is required. A preferredperceptible thermal exposure signal S₂ when the infant is cold isshivering of the infant simulator 05 generated by activation of anelectronic motor spinning an out-of-balance weight. The thermal exposuresignal S₂ and timing of the thermal exposure period can be terminated byremoving the infant simulator 05 from the unacceptably warm or coldenvironment (e.g., removing the infant simulator 05 from the car orturning on the air conditioner), thereby returning the body temperatureof the infant simulator 05 to an acceptable temperature and ceasingtransmission of an electrical signal from the temperature sensor 40 tothe central microcontroller unit 20.

The central microcontroller unit 20 may optionally be programmed toinitiate a rocking-request event immediately after termination of thethermal exposure signal S₂ for purposes of simulating a need forcomforting of the infant simulator 05 after such a discomfortingexposure to extreme temperatures.

A preferred embodiment of the temperature sensor module 120 combinesboth the recording/reporting and signaling systems.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible thermal exposure signal S₂ only at the beginning of athermal exposure period (i.e., generate a ten second signal as soon as asensed temperature falls outside the acceptable temperature range),periodically throughout a thermal exposure period (e.g., generate a twosecond signal every minute once the sensed temperature falls outside theacceptable temperature range until the sensed temperature returns to theacceptable temperature range), or continuously throughout a thermalexposure period.

The thermal exposure signal S₂ may be intensified, in accordance withthe ancillary feature of providing an escalated demand signal 240, basedupon (i) an increase in the difference between the sensed temperatureand the temperature limit, and/or (ii) an increase in the duration ofthe thermal exposure period. An example of each is set forth in TableSeventeen, provided below.

TABLE SEVENTEEN (ESCALATING THERMAL-DISCOMFORT SIGNAL) THERMAL STRENGTHOF EXPOSURE TEMPERATURE BEYOND PERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL DURATION ACCEPTABLELIMIT (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES) (° C.) 1^(st) Intensity (whimper)  <5  <52^(nd) Intensity (cry) 5 to 10 5 to 10 3^(rd) Intensity (shriek) >10 >10

The temperature module 120 may optionally communicate with a soundrecorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 uponcommencing generation of a thermal-exposure signal S₂, and therebyrecording any verbal comments or statements made near the infantsimulator 05 for a defined time period (e.g., 3-5 minutes) after thethermal-exposure signal S₂ has been generated.

The temperature sensing module 120 may also include the ancillaryfeature of entry into a comatose state 280 based upon (i) the sensing ofa difference between the sensed temperature and the temperature limit inexcess of a defined threshold (e.g., 20° C.), and/or (ii) a duration ofa thermal exposure period in excess of a defined threshold (e.g., 20minutes).

The temperature sensor 40, as with the central microcontroller unit 20and battery pack 25, is preferably equipped with a tamper indicatingdevice (not shown) for purposes of signaling and/or recording andreporting efforts to remove or otherwise access the temperature sensor40.

Missing Diaper Module 490

The infant simulator 05 can be equipped with a diaper sensor 370, suchas a normally open Hall Effect switch 62 as described in detail inconnection with the diaper-change event, capable of sensing whether theinfant simulator 05 is wearing a diaper, such as one of the diapers 60described in detail in connection with the diaper-change event, andcommunicating the sensing of a missing-diaper 60 to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20.

In order to prevent the initiation of a missing-diaper event when thediaper 60 is only missing for a short period of time, such as during adiaper change, the central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed toperiodically check the status of any signal generated by the missingdiaper sensor 370 (e.g., every 5 to 30 minutes) and generate amissing-diaper signal S₁₇ only when at least two consecutive checks ofthe missing diaper sensor 370 indicate that the diaper 60 is missing.

In a first embodiment, a recording function within the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 records any instances of a sensed missing-diaperfor later review by the program administrator. The specific informationrecorded and reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can rangefrom the relatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportwhether a missing-diaper was sensed at least once during the assignmentperiod. Alternatively, the central microcontroller unit 20 can recordand report the number and individual duration of missing-diaper periodsoccurring within the assignment period. A nonexhaustive list of optionsfor recording and reporting missing-diaper data is set forth in TableEighteen below.

TABLE EIGHTEEN (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING MISSING-DIAPER DATA)DATA SAMPLE OPTION DESCRIPTION RECORDED REPORT 1 Records and reportsonly fact that YES/NO Light diaper was detected as missing at ON/OFFleast once during assignment period (i.e., occurrence of amissing-diaper event). 2 Records and reports number of Number “4.”missing-diaper events. 3 Records and reports the number #/Minutes 1: 02and duration of each missing- 2: 08 diaper period. 3: 02 4: 02

In a second embodiment, the central microcontroller unit 20 is connectedto a system (not shown) capable of generating a perceptiblemissing-diaper signal S₁₇. The central microcontroller unit 20 isprogrammed to generate the perceptible missing-diaper signal S₁₇ whenthe diaper sensor 370 detects that the infant simulator 05 is notwearing a diaper 60. Generation of the perceptible missing-diaper signalS₁₇ warns the student caring for the infant simulator 05 that the infantsimulator 05 is not wearing a diaper 60 and should be fitted with adiaper 60. The missing-diaper signal S₁₇ and timing of themissing-diaper period can be terminated by fitting a diaper 60 uponinfant simulator 05, thereby ceasing transmission of an electricalsignal from the diaper sensor 370 to the central microcontroller unit20.

A preferred embodiment of the missing-diaper module 490 combines boththe recording/reporting and signaling systems.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible missing-diaper signal S₁₇ only at the beginning of amissing-diaper period (i.e., generate a ten second signal as soon as thediaper 60 is detected as missing), periodically throughout amissing-diaper period (e.g., generate a two second signal every minuteonce the diaper 60 is detected as missing until the diaper 60 is fittedupon the infant simulator 05), or continuously throughout amissing-diaper period.

Since an actual infant would not normally be expected to becomeincreasingly uncomfortable as the duration of a missing-diaper eventincreases, the missing-diaper sensing module 490 need not, andpreferably does not, include the ancillary feature of providing anescalated demand signal 240.

The missing-diaper module 490 may optionally communicate with a soundrecorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upondetection of a missing-diaper, and recording any verbal comments orstatements made near the infant simulator 05 during a missing-diaperperiod. Such recording may continue for a defined time period (e.g., 3to 5 minutes) or for the entire duration of a missing-diaper period.

The missing-diaper sensor 370, as with the central microcontroller unit20 and battery pack 25, is preferably equipped with a tamper indicatingdevice (not shown) for purposes of signaling and/or recording andreporting efforts to remove or otherwise access the missing-diapersensor 370.

Demand Events Diaper-Change Event

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to effect periodicdiaper-change events, wherein the student caring for the infantsimulator 05 is signaled by the infant simulator 05, on a scheduleunknown to the student, that the diaper 60 on the infant simulator 05needs to be changed. Preferred diaper-change signals S₄ include anaudible cry and/or a wetting of the diaper 60.

The time interval between diaper-change periods can be a bounded randomvariable (e.g., occurring every 30 to 120 minutes) or a predeterminedvariable (e.g., sequentially occurring at intervals of 30, 90, 30, 30,120, 60, 20 and 90 minutes). In order to more accurately emulate thecare requirements of an actual infant, and prevent students frommemorizing the schedule of demand events, it is generally preferred tocontrol the time interval between demand events as a bounded randomvariable. Alternatively, multiple predefined programs, each providing adifferent fixed schedule of demand events, can also be realisticallyemployed so long as the students do not know which program has beenselected (i.e., the schedule of demand events is random from theperspective of the student) and the number of programs is sufficient toprevent the students from memorizing one or two different schedules andthereafter being able to partially defeat the purpose of the program byignoring the infant simulator 05 between scheduled demand events.

Referring to FIG. 3, the infant simulator 05 can include a pair ofoppositely mounted, normally open Hall Effect switches 62 a and 62 b(hereinafter diaper-change switches), within the torso 12 of themannequin 10. A wide variety of suitable Hall Effect switches 62 areavailable from a number of different manufacturers, including HallEffect switch Model No. DN 6851A manufactured by Panasonic. Thediaper-change switches 62 are electrically connected to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20. Because the diaper-change switches 62 aremounted in reverse directions within the mannequin 10, the firstdiaper-change switch 62 a is closed only by a magnet 61 having a “north”facing polarity, while the second diaper-change switch 62 b is closedonly by a magnet 61 having a “south” facing polarity.

Referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the student caring for the infantsimulator 05 is provided with two diapers 60 sized to fit the infantsimulator 05. A magnet 61 is sewn into each of the diapers 60 at aposition effective for placing the magnet 61 in close proximity to theappropriate diaper-change switch 62 when the diaper 60 is fitted ontothe mannequin 10. The magnet 61 in the first diaper 60 a is rotated sothat the magnet 61 has a “north” facing polarity when the first diaper60 a is fitted onto the mannequin 10, while the magnet 61 in the seconddiaper 60 b is rotated so that the magnet 61 has a “south” facingpolarity when the second diaper 60 b is fitted onto the mannequin 10.When the appropriate diaper-change switch 62 is closed, an electricaldiaper-change satisfaction signal St₄ is sent to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 and the diaper-change signal S₄ is arrested.Timing of the diaper-change episode is also terminated.

The central microcontroller unit 20 initiates a diaper-change event byalternating the “selected” diaper-change switch 62 as between the first62 a and second 62 b diaper-change switches, and initiating generationof a perceptible diaper-change signal S₄. In order to arrest thediaper-change signal S₄, the student must close the newly selecteddiaper-change switch 62 by changing the diaper 60.

The central microcontroller unit 20 preferably includes a recordingfunction for recording relevant diaper-change episode data for laterreview by the program administrator. The specific information recordedand reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from therelatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportthe total duration of all diaper-change episodes. Alternatively, thecentral microcontroller unit 20 can record and report the total numberof diaper-change events which occurred during an assignment period andthe duration of each individual diaper-change episode. A nonexhaustivelist of options for recording and reporting relevant diaper-changeepisode data is set forth in Table Nineteen, provided below.

TABLE NINETEEN (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING DIAPER-CHANGEEPISODE DATA) OPTION DESCRIPTION DATA RECORED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Recordsand reports total duration Minutes 45 of all diaper-change episodesoccurring throughout an assignment period. 2 Records and reports totalnumber of #/# 5: 4 diaper-change episodes and number of diaper-changeepisodes lasting longer than a given grace period (e.g., two minutes). 3Records and reports number of #/Minutes 4: 45 diaper-change episodes andtotal duration of all diaper-change episodes occurring throughout anassignment period. 4 Records and reports number of #/Minutes 5: 45diaper-change episodes, total Minutes  4 duration of all diaper-changeepisodes occurring throughout an assignment period, and mean duration ofthe diaper-change episodes. 5 Records and reports duration of #/Minutes1: 03 each individual diaper-change 2: 18 episode occurring throughoutan 3: 20 assignment period. 4: 00 5: 04 6 Records and reports number of#/Minutes 4: 45 diaper-change episodes, total Minutes 03:18:20:00:04duration of all diaper-change episodes, and individual duration of eachdiaper-change episode occurring throughout an assignment period.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible diaper-change signal S₄ only at the beginning of adiaper-change period (i.e., generate a ten second signal when adiaper-change period is initiated by the central microcontroller unit20), periodically throughout a diaper-change period (e.g., generate atwo second signal every minute once a diaper-change period is initiatedby the central microcontroller unit 20), or continuously throughout adiaper-change period.

The diaper-change signal S₄ may be intensified, in accordance with theancillary feature of providing an escalating demand signal 240, basedupon an increase in the duration of the diaper-change episode. Anexample is set forth in Table Twenty, provided below.

TABLE TWENTY (ESCALATING DIAPER-CHANGE SIGNAL) STRENGTH OF DIAPER-CHANGEEPISODE PERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL DURATION (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES) 1^(st) Intensity(soft cry) <01 2^(nd) Intensity (loud cry) >01

The diaper-change module 140 may optionally communicate with a soundrecorder 360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 uponcommencement of a diaper-change event, thereby recording any verbalcomments or statements made near the infant simulator 05 for a definedtime period (e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the diaper-change signal S₄ hasbeen generated.

Feeding Event

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to effect periodicfeeding-request events, wherein the student caring for the infantsimulator 05 is signaled by the infant simulator 05, on a scheduleunknown to the student, to feed the infant simulator 05. Preferred typesof feeding-request signals S₆ include crying, sucking, outstretched arms13 and combinations thereof.

The time interval between feeding-request periods can be a boundedrandom variable (e.g., occurring every 30 to 120 minutes) or apredetermined variable (e.g., sequentially occurring at intervals of 30,90, 30, 30, 120, 60, 20 and 90 minutes). In order to more accuratelyemulate the care requirements of an actual infant, and prevent studentsfrom memorizing the schedule of demand events, it is generally preferredto control the time interval between demand events as a bounded randomvariable. Alternatively, multiple predefined programs, each providing adifferent fixed schedule of demand events, can also be realisticallyemployed so long as the students do not know which program has beenselected (i.e., the schedule of demand events is random from theperspective of the student) and the number of programs is sufficient toprevent the students from memorizing one or two different schedules andthereafter being able to partially defeat the purpose of the program byignoring the infant simulator 05 between scheduled demand events.

Referring to FIG. 3, the infant simulator 05 can include a normally openHall Effect switch 82 (hereinafter feed switch), within the head 11 ofthe mannequin 10 immediately behind the mouth (unnumbered). The feedswitch 82 is electrically connected to the central microcontroller unit20. The feed switch 82 is normally open, and can be closed only by amagnet 81 having the appropriately directed polarity.

Referring to FIG. 5, the student caring for the infant simulator 05 isprovided with a bottle 80 scaled to the size of the infant simulator 05.A magnet 81 is molded into the bottle 80 at a position effective forplacing the magnet 81 in close proximity to the feed switch 82 when thebottle 80 is placed against the mouth (unnumbered) of the mannequin 10.Alternatively, the magnet 81 can be molded within a key (not shown)bearing indicia representative of a bottle. When a breast feeding optionis provided, an object or indicia representative of breast feeding (notshown) (e.g., a silhouette of a mother and child) can be utilized inplace of the bottle.

The mouth (unnumbered) of the mannequin 10 can optionally be molded toinclude a shaped indentation (not shown) into which a correspondinglyshaped nipple 80 n on the bottle 80 can be inserted. The shape of theindentation (not shown) and the nipple 80 n are selected so that thebottle 80 must be rotated into a predetermined relationship relative tothe head 11 of the mannequin 10 in order to fit within the indentation(not shown). Such rotation-specific shapes include specifically, but notexclusively, an isosceles triangle, a circular segment, and an “L.” Whenthe nipple 80 n of the bottle 80 is fitted within the indentation (notshown) in the mouth (unnumbered) the magnet 81 in the bottle 80 isproperly oriented relative to the feed switch 82 and the feed switch 82is closed. When the feed switch 82 is closed, an electricalfeeding-request satisfaction signal St₆ is sent to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 and the feeding-request signal S₆ arrested.Timing of the feeding-request episode is also terminated.

The central microcontroller unit 20 initiates a feeding-request event byinitiating generation of a perceptible feeding-request signal S₆. Inorder to arrest the feeding-request signal S₆, the student must “feed”the infant simulator 05 by placing the bottle 80 against the mouth(unnumbered) of the mannequin 10.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to eitherterminate or inhibit generation of the feeding-request signal S₆ oncethe feeding satisfaction signal St₆ is sensed. When the terminationoption is selected, the student need only feed the infant simulator 05for some minimum time period (e.g., two to ten seconds) sufficient toensure that feeding has been sensed, after which the student may stopfeeding the infant simulator 05 and the feeding-request signal S₆ willnot begin again. When the inhibition option is selected, the studentmust continuously feed the infant simulator 05 throughout thefeeding-request period (e.g., five to twenty minutes) to prevent thefeeding-request signal S₆ from being generated, with the end of afeeding-request period optionally indicated by the generation of afeeding period completion signal such as a side-to-side movement of thehead 10. The inhibition option is generally preferred as it more closelyemulates the care requirements of an actual infant.

The micro controller unit 20 can optionally be programmed to generate a“coo” or similar positive signal at the end of a feeding period,provided the feeding-request satisfaction signal St₆ has been providedduring the feeding-request period (e.g., the feeding-requestsatisfaction signal St₆ was transmitted to the infant simulator 05within initial grace period), for purposes of providing the student withpositive feedback.

The central microcontroller unit 20 preferably includes a recordingfunction for recording relevant feeding-request episode data for laterreview by the program administrator. The specific information recordedand reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from therelatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportthe total duration of all feeding-request episodes. Alternatively, thecentral microcontroller unit 20 can record and report the total numberof feeding-request events which occurred during an assignment period andthe duration of each individual feeding-request episode. A nonexhaustivelist of options for recording and reporting relevant feeding-requestepisode data is set forth in Table Twenty One, provided below.

TABLE TWENTY ONE (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING FEEDING-REQUESTEPISODE DATA) OPTION DESCRIPTION DATA RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Recordsand reports total duration Minutes 45 of all feeding-request episodesoccurring throughout an assignment period. 2 Records and reports totalnumber of #/# 5: 5 feeding-request episodes and number offeeding-request episodes lasting longer than a given grace period (e.g.,two minutes). 3 Records and reports number of #/Minutes 5: 45feeding-request episodes and total duration of all feeding-requestepisodes occurring throughout an assignment period. 4 Records andreports number of #/Minutes 5: 45 feeding-request events, total Minutes03 duration of all feeding-request episodes, and mean duration of thefeeding-request episodes occurring throughout an assignment period. 5Records and reports duration of #/Minutes 1: 03 each individualfeeding-request 2: 18 episode occurring throughout an 3: 20 assignmentperiod. 4: 02 5: 02 6 Records and reports number of #/Minutes 5: 45feeding-request episodes, total Minutes 03:18:20:02:02 duration of allfeeding-request episodes, and individual duration of eachfeeding-request episode occurring throughout an assignment period.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible feeding-request signal S₆ only at the beginning of afeeding-request period (i.e., generate a ten second signal when afeeding-request period is initiated by the central microcontroller unit20), periodically throughout a feeding-request period (e.g., generate atwo second signal every minute once a feeding-request period isinitiated by the central microcontroller unit 20), or continuouslythroughout a feeding-request period.

The feeding-request signal S₆ may be intensified, in accordance with theancillary feature of providing an escalating demand signal 240, basedupon an increase in the duration of the feeding-request episode. Anexample is set forth in Table Twenty Two, provided below.

TABLE TWENTY TWO (ESCALATING FEEDING-REQUEST SIGNAL) STRENGTH OFFEEDING-REQUEST PERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL EPISODE DURATION (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES)1^(st) Intensity (soft cry) <01 2^(nd) Intensity (loud cry) >01

The feeding module 160 may optionally communicate with a sound recorder360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upon commencementof a feeding-request event, thereby recording any verbal comments orstatements made near the infant simulator 05 for a defined time period(e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the feeding-request signal S₆ has beengenerated.

The feeding module 160 may also include an ancillary comatose feature280 based upon a repeated failure to feed the infant simulator (e.g., afeeding-request satisfaction signal St₆ is not received for threeconsecutive feeding-request periods).

Burping Event

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to effectburping-request period, wherein the student caring for the infantsimulator 05 is signaled by the infant simulator 05, on a scheduleunknown to the student, to burp the infant simulator 05 after the infantsimulator 05 has been fed in response to a feeding-request signal S₆.Burping-request periods can be initiated after the satisfaction of someor all of the feeding-request periods and is preferably initiatedindependently of any environmental condition (e.g., initiation of aburping-request period is not contingent upon the student laying theinfant simulator 05 face down on the floor after a feeding period).Preferred types of burping-request signals S₇ include crying,whimpering, fidgeting and combinations thereof.

Burping-request periods can be initiated immediately after the end of asatisfied feeding-request period or after a defined delay (e.g., two tothirty minutes). The delay between the end of a feeding-request periodand initiation of a burping-request period can be a bounded randomvariable (e.g., 0 to 30 minutes) or a predetermined variable (e.g.,sequentially occurring at intervals of 0, 9, 3, 0, 12, 6, 20 and 9minutes). In order to more accurately emulate the care requirements ofan actual infant, and prevent students from memorizing and sharing theschedule of demand events, it is generally preferred to control thelength of the delay as a bounded random variable. Alternatively,multiple predefined programs, each providing a different fixed scheduleof demand events including scheduling of burping-request periods, canalso be realistically employed so long as the students do not know whichprogram has been selected (i.e., the schedule of demand events is randomfrom the perspective of the student) and the variation in the durationof the delay between a feeding-request event and a burping-request eventis sufficient to prevent the students from memorizing one or twodifferent durations and thereafter being able to partially defeat thepurpose of the program by ignoring the infant simulator 05 betweensequential feeding-request and burping-request events.

Referring to FIG. 3, the same motion sensor 70 used for purposes ofsensing rocking of the infant simulator 05 can also be effectively usedto sense burping of the infant simulator 05 since the type of motionprovided by rocking and patting are both detectable by the motion sensor70. When motion of the appropriate amplitude is sensed, an electricalburping-request satisfaction signal St₇ is sent to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 and the burping-request signal S₇ is arrested.Timing of the burping-request episode is also terminated.

The central microcontroller unit 20 initiates a burping-request event byinitiating generation of a perceptible burping-request signal S₇. Inorder to arrest the burping-request signal S₇, the student must pat theinfant simulator 05 with sufficient force to generate an appropriateelectrical signal in the motion sensor 70 (i.e., sufficient to signal“patting” but insufficient to signal “abuse”).

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to eitherterminate or inhibit generation of the burping-request signal S₇ oncepatting is sensed. When the termination option is selected, the studentneed only burp the infant simulator 05 for some minimum time period(e.g., two to ten seconds) sufficient to ensure that burping has beensensed, after which the student may stop burping the infant simulator 05and the burping-request signal S₇ will not begin again. When theinhibition option is selected, the student must continuously burp theinfant simulator 05 throughout the burping-request period (e.g., five totwenty minutes) to prevent the burping-request signal S₇ from beinggenerated, with the end of a burping-request period optionally indicatedby the generation of a burping-request period completion signal such asa burp. The inhibition option is generally preferred as it more closelyemulates the care requirements of an actual infant.

The micro controller unit 20 can optionally be programmed to generate a“burp” sound at the end of a burping period, provided the requestedburping action has been provided during the burping period (e.g.,burping action commenced within initial grace period and/or thresholdduration of patting provided during burping-request period), forpurposes of providing the student with positive feedback.

The central microcontroller unit 20 preferably includes a recordingfunction for recording relevant burping-request episode data for laterreview by the program administrator. The specific information recordedand reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from therelatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportthe total duration of all burping-request episodes. Alternatively, thecentral microcontroller unit 20 can record and report the total numberof burping-request episodes which occurred during an assignment periodand the duration of each individual burping-request episode. Anonexhaustive list of options for recording and reporting relevantburping-request episode data is set forth in Table Twenty Three,provided below.

TABLE TWENTY THREE (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING BURPING-REQUESTEPISODE DATA) OPTION DESCRIPTION DATA RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Recordsand reports total duration Minutes 45 of all burping-request episodesoccurring throughout an assignment period. 2 Records and reports totalnumber of #/# 5: 5 burping-request episodes and number ofburping-request episodes lasting longer than a given grace period (e.g.,two minutes). 3 Records and reports number of #/Minutes 5: 45burping-request episodes and total duration of all burping-requestepisodes occurring throughout an assignment period. 4 Records andreports number of #/Minutes 5: 45 burping-request episodes, totalMinutes 03 duration of all burping-request episodes, and mean durationof the burping-request episodes occurring throughout an assignmentperiod. 5 Records and reports duration of #/Minutes 1: 03 eachindividual burping-request 2: 18 episode occurring throughout an 3: 20assignment period. 4: 02 5: 02 6 Records and reports number of #/Minutes5: 45 burping-request episodes, total Minutes 03:18:20:02:02 duration ofall burping-request episodes, and individual duration of eachburping-request episode occurring throughout an assignment period.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible burping-request signal S₇ only at the beginning of aburping-request period (i.e., generate a ten second signal when aburping-request period is initiated by the central microcontroller unit20), periodically throughout a burping-request period (e.g., generate atwo second signal every minute once a burping-request period isinitiated by the central microcontroller unit 20), or continuouslythroughout a burping-request period.

The burping-request signal S₇ may be intensified, in accordance with theancillary feature of providing an escalating demand signal 240, basedupon an increase in the duration of the burping-request episode. Anexample is set forth in Table Twenty Four, provided below.

TABLE TWENTY FOUR (ESCALATING BURPING-REQUEST SIGNAL) STRENGTH OFBURPING-REQUEST PERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL EPISODE DURATION (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES)1^(st) Intensity (soft cry) <01 2^(nd) Intensity (loud cry) >01

The burping module 170 may optionally communicate with a sound recorder360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upon commencementof a burping-request event, thereby recording any verbal comments orstatements made near the infant simulator 05 for a defined time period(e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the burping-request signal S₇ has beengenerated.

Fussy Event

For purposes of emulating the actions of an actual infant, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to effect periodic fussyperiods, wherein the student caring for the infant simulator 05 issignaled by the infant simulator 05, on a schedule unknown to thestudent, to care for the infant simulator 05, without an ability toarrest the perceptible fussy signal S₈ generated by the infant simulator05. Of course, the implementation of a fussy event is only meaningfulwhen used in combination with at least one environmental event or demandevent for which a perceptible signal can be arrested by taking theappropriate action. Fussy events can be interspersed throughout theassignment period as desired for purposes of emulating those timesoccasionally encountered in real life, when the infant is fussing andnothing seems to satisfy the infant. The number of fussy events can berecorded and reported.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible fussy signal S₈ only at the beginning of a fussy period(i.e., generate a ten second signal when a fussy period is initiated bythe central microcontroller unit 20), periodically throughout a fussyperiod (e.g., generate a two second signal every minute once a fussyperiod is initiated by the central microcontroller unit 20), orcontinuously throughout a fussy period. Preferred types of fussy signalsS₈ include crying, whimpering, whining, coughing, fidgeting andcombinations thereof.

The student should be expected to make some effort to satisfy thefussing infant simulator 05. Handling of the infant simulator 05 can bedetected by the same motion sensor 70 used for purposes of sensingrocking and burping of the infant simulator 05. In the event that noeffort is made to satisfy the fussing infant simulator 05, the fussysignal S₈ may be intensified, in accordance with the ancillary featureof providing an escalating demand signal 240, based upon a thresholdtime duration during which the fussy signal S₈ has been generatedwithout any detectable handling. An example is set forth in Table TwentyFive, provided below.

TABLE TWENTY FIVE (ESCALATING FUSSY SIGNAL) STRENGTH OF FUSSY DURATIONPERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL WITHOUT HANDLING (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES) 1^(st) Intensity(soft cry) <10 2^(nd) Intensity (loud cry) >10

The perceptible fussy signal S₈—normal or intensified—is not arrestedonce handling is detected. The receipt of an electrical “handling”signal by the central microcontroller unit 20 is effective only forpreventing escalation of the perceptible fussy signal S₈. Hence, thecentral microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to reduce theintensity of the increased perceptible fussy signal S₈ once handling isdetected, but should not arrest the perceptible fussy signal S₈.

The fussy module 180 may optionally communicate with a sound recorder360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upon commencementof a fussy period, and thereby recording any verbal comments orstatements made near the infant simulator 05 during the fussy period. Itis generally preferred to continue operation of the sound recorder 360for the entire duration of a fussy period as the inability to satisfythe fussy signal S₈ is likely to elicit a verbal response from thestudent caring for the infant simulator 05.

Rest Event

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to effect periodicrest events, wherein the student caring for the infant simulator 05 issignaled by the infant simulator 05, on a schedule unknown to thestudent, to provide the infant simulator 05 with an environmentconducive to resting and napping. Preferred types of rest-requestsignals S₁₃ include sighing, whimpering, fidgeting, blinking and closingof the eyes and combinations thereof.

The time interval between rest periods can be a bounded random variable(e.g., occurring every 20 to 360 minutes) or a predetermined variable(e.g., sequentially occurring at intervals of 20, 120, 360, 180, 90, 30,120 and 300 minutes). In order to more accurately emulate the carerequirements of an actual infant, and prevent students from memorizingthe schedule of demand events, it is generally preferred to control thetime interval between demand events as a bounded random variable.Alternatively, multiple predefined programs, each providing a differentfixed schedule of demand events, can also be realistically employed solong as the students do not know which program has been selected (i.e.,the schedule of demand events is random from the perspective of thestudent) and the number of programs is sufficient to prevent thestudents from memorizing one or two different schedules and thereafterbeing able to partially defeat the purpose of the program by ignoringthe infant simulator 05 between scheduled demand events.

Resting can be detected by an absence of motion and/or sound above adefined threshold value. The motion sensor 70 described in connectionwith the rocking module 150 can be used for sensing motion in connectionwith the rest module 450. Similarly, the sound sensor 340 described inconnection with the overstimulation module 440 can be used for sensingsounds reaching the infant simulator 05 in connection with the restmodule 450. The motion sensor 70 and sound sensor 340 are electricallyconnected to the central microcontroller unit 20 wherein the strength ofthe electrical signal generated by the motion sensor 70 and sound sensor340 can be checked against predefined threshold limitations for ignoringthose which are insufficient to disturb a resting infant (e.g., rockingof a moving car or the sound of a television playing in the other room).However, when motion and/or sound exceeding the threshold value(hereinafter “rest disturbing event”) is experienced by the infantsimulator 05 during a rest period, an electrical signal is sent to thecentral microcontroller unit 20 and the rest-request signal S₁₃ isinitiated. Timing of the rest-request episode is also commenced.

The central microcontroller unit 20 initiates a rest-request event byinitiating generation of a perceptible rest-request signal S₁₃. In orderto arrest the rest-request signal S₁₃, the student must place the infantsimulator 05 within an environment where the infant simulator 05 willnot be subjected to a rest disturbing event (e.g., a school counselor'soffice would generally be acceptable, while a school hallway betweenclasses would generally be unacceptable).

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to eitherterminate or inhibit generation of the rest-request signal S₁₃ onceresting (i.e., absence of rest disturbing events) is sensed. When thetermination option is selected, the student need only prevent the infantsimulator 05 from being exposed to a rest disturbing event for someminimum time period (e.g., two to ten seconds) sufficient to ensure thatresting has been sensed, after which the student may ignore the need forrest since the rest-request signal S₁₃ will not begin again. When theinhibition option is selected, the student must continuously prevent theinfant simulator 05 from being exposed to rest disturbing events for theduration of the rest-request period (e.g., ten to sixty minutes) toprevent the rest-request signal S₁₃ from being generated, with the endof a rest-request period optionally indicated by the generation of arest-request period completion signal such as giggling. The inhibitionoption is generally preferred as it more closely emulates the carerequirements of an actual infant.

The central microcontroller unit 20 preferably includes a recordingfunction for recording relevant rest-request episode data for laterreview by the program administrator.

The specific information recorded and reported by the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can range from the relatively simple to thecomplex. For example, the central microcontroller unit 20 can beprogrammed to simply record and report the total duration of allrest-request episodes. Alternatively, the central microcontroller unit20 can record and report the total number of rest-request episodes whichoccurred during an assignment period and the duration of each individualrest-request episode. A nonexhaustive list of options for recording andreporting relevant rest-request episode data is set forth in TableTwenty Six, provided below.

TABLE TWENTY SIX (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING REST-REQUESTEPISODE DATA) OPTION DESCRIPTION DATA RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Recordsand reports total duration Minutes 45 of all rest-request episodesoccurring throughout an assignment period. 2 Records and reports totalnumber of #/# 5: 5 rest-request episodes and number of rest-requestepisodes lasting longer than a given grace period (e.g., two minutes). 3Records and reports number of rest- #/Minutes 5: 45 request episodes andtotal duration of all rest-request episodes occurring throughout anassignment period. 4 Records and reports number of rest- #/Minutes 5: 45request episodes, total duration of Minutes 03 all rest-requestepisodes, and mean duration of the rest-request episodes occurringthroughout an assignment period. 5 Records and reports duration of#/Minutes 1: 03 each individual rest-request episode 2: 18 occurringthroughout an assignment 3: 20 period. 4: 02 5: 02 6 Records and reportsnumber of rest- #/Minutes 5: 45 request episodes, total duration ofMinutes 03:18:20:02:02 all rest-request episodes, and individualduration of each rest- request episode occurring throughout anassignment period.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible rest-request signal S₁₃ only at the beginning of arest-request period (i.e., generate a ten second signal when arest-request period is initiated by the central microcontroller unit20), periodically throughout a rest-request period (e.g., generate a twosecond signal every minute once a rest-request period is initiated bythe central microcontroller unit 20), or continuously throughout arest-request period.

The rest-request signal S₁₃ may be intensified, in accordance with theancillary feature of providing an escalating demand signal 240, basedupon an increase in the duration of the rest-request episode. An exampleis set forth in Table Twenty Seven, provided below.

TABLE TWENTY SEVEN (ESCALATING REST-REQUEST SIGNAL) STRENGTH OFREST-REQUEST PERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL EPISODE DURATION (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES)1^(st) Intensity (soft cry) <01 2^(nd) Intensity (loud cry) >01

The rest module 450 may optionally communicate with a sound recorder 360for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upon commencement ofa rest-request period, and thereby recording any verbal comments orstatements made near the infant simulator 05 for a defined time period(e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the rest-request signal S₁₃ has beengenerated.

Rocking Event

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to effect periodicrocking-request events, wherein the student caring for the infantsimulator 05 is signaled by the infant simulator 05, on a scheduleunknown to the student, to provide the infant simulator 05 withattentive care in the form of rocking. Preferred types ofrocking-request signals S₅ include crying, whimpering, fidgeting andcombinations thereof.

The time interval between rocking-request periods can be a boundedrandom variable (e.g., occurring every 30 to 120 minutes) or apredetermined variable (e.g., sequentially occurring at intervals of 30,90, 30, 30, 120, 60, 20 and 90 minutes). In order to more accuratelyemulate the care requirements of an actual infant, and prevent studentsfrom memorizing the schedule of demand events, it is generally preferredto control the time interval between demand events as a bounded randomvariable. Alternatively, multiple predefined programs, each providing adifferent fixed schedule of demand events, can also be realisticallyemployed so long as the students do not know which program has beenselected (i.e., the schedule of demand events is random from theperspective of the student) and the number of programs is sufficient toprevent the students from memorizing one or two different schedules andthereafter being able to partially defeat the purpose of the program byignoring the infant simulator 05 between scheduled demand events.

Referring to FIG. 3, the infant simulator 05 can include a motion sensor70 within the torso 12 of the mannequin 10 effective for sensing rockingof the infant simulator 05. A number of different types and styles ofmotion sensors 70 may be effectively used. Suitable motion sensorsinclude motion sensors 70 and 70′ described in connection with theimpact physical abuse sensing system.

The motion sensor 70 is electrically connected to the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 wherein the strength of the electrical signalgenerated by the motion sensor 70 can be checked against predefinedthreshold limitations for producing different signals. This permits thesingle motion sensor 70 to differentiate between a modest force, such asproduced by normal handling, rocking and burping of the infant simulator05, and excessive force, such as experienced when the infant simulator05 is thrown, shaken or otherwise abused. When motion of the appropriateamplitude is sensed, an electrical satisfaction signal is sent to thecentral microcontroller unit 20 and the rocking-request signal S₅ isarrested. Timing of the rocking-request episode is also terminated.

The central microcontroller unit 20 initiates a rocking-request event byinitiating generation of a perceptible rocking-request signal S₅. Inorder to arrest the rocking-request signal S₅, the student must rock theinfant simulator 05 with sufficient force to generate an appropriateelectrical signal in the motion sensor 70 (i.e., sufficient to signal“rocking” but insufficient to signal “abuse”).

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to eitherterminate or inhibit generation of the rocking-request signal S₅ oncerocking is sensed. When the termination option is selected, the studentneed only rock the infant simulator 05 for some minimum time period(e.g., two to ten seconds) sufficient to ensure that rocking has beensensed, after which the student may stop rocking the infant simulator 05and the rocking-request signal S₅ will not begin again. When theinhibition option is selected, the student must continuously rock theinfant simulator 05 throughout the rocking-request period (e.g., five totwenty minutes) to prevent the rocking-request signal S₅ from beinggenerated, with the end of a rocking-request period optionally indicatedby the generation of a rocking-request period completion signal such asthe playing of a lullaby tune. The inhibition option is generallypreferred as it more closely emulates the care requirements of an actualinfant.

The central microcontroller unit 20 preferably includes a recordingfunction for recording relevant rocking-request episode data for laterreview by the program administrator. The specific information recordedand reported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from therelatively simple to the complex. For example, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to simply record and reportthe total duration of all rocking-request episodes. Alternatively, thecentral microcontroller unit 20 can record and report the total numberof rocking-request episodes which occurred during an assignment periodand the duration of each individual rocking-request episode. Anonexhaustive list of options for recording and reporting relevantrocking-request episode data is set forth in Table Twenty Eight,provided below.

TABLE TWENTY EIGHT (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING ROCKING-REQUESTEPISODE DATA) OPTION DESCRIPTION DATA RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Recordsand reports total duration Minutes 45 of all rocking-request episodesoccurring throughout an assignment period. 2 Records and reports totalnumber of #/# 5: 5 rocking-request episodes and number ofrocking-request episodes lasting longer than a given grace period (e.g.,two minutes). 3 Records and reports number of #/Minutes 5: 45rocking-request episodes and total duration of all rocking-requestepisodes occurring throughout an assignment period. 4 Records andreports number of #/Minutes 5: 45 rocking-request episodes, totalMinutes 03 duration of all rocking-request episodes, and mean durationof the rocking-request episodes occurring throughout an assignmentperiod. 5 Records and reports duration of #/Minutes 1: 03 eachindividual rocking-requested 2: 18 episode occurring throughout an 3: 20assignment period. 4: 02 5: 02 6 Records and reports number of #/Minutes5: 45 rocking-request episodes, total Minutes 03:18:20:02:02 duration ofall rocking-request episodes, and individual duration of eachrocking-request episode occurring throughout an assignment period.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible rocking-request signal S₅ only at the beginning of arocking-request period (i.e., generate a ten second signal when arocking-request period is initiated by the central microcontroller unit20), periodically throughout a rocking-request period (e.g., generate atwo second signal every minute once a rocking-request period isinitiated by the central microcontroller unit 20), or continuouslythroughout a rocking-request period.

The rocking-request signal S₅ may be intensified, in accordance with theancillary feature of providing an escalating demand signal 240, basedupon an increase in the duration of the rocking-request episode. Anexample is set forth in Table Twenty Nine, provided below.

TABLE TWENTY NINE (ESCALATING ROCKING-REQUEST SIGNAL) STRENGTH OFROCKING-REQUEST PERCEPTIBLE SIGNAL EPISODE DURATION (AUDIBLE) (MINUTES)1^(st) Intensity (soft cry) <02 2^(nd) Intensity (loud cry) >02

The rocking module 150 may optionally communicate with a sound recorder360 for initiating operation of the sound recorder 360 upon commencementof a rocking-request event, thereby recording any verbal comments orstatements made near the infant simulator 05 for a defined time period(e.g., 3-5 minutes) after the rocking-request signal S₅ has beengenerated.

Ancillary Features Multiple Behavior Modes

Selectable Changes

Age Appropriate Behavior Modes

The central microcontroller unit 20 may be programmed to allow a programadministrator to select between several programs which emulate thedifferent care requirements of differently aged infants.

These different levels of care can be produced by altering or adjustingone or more of the various modules, features and/or functions of theprogram. The levels of care can be increased and/or decreased throughany number of continuous or stepped age levels as desired. A convenientprogram allows the care requirements to be set at one of three levels,representative of a newborn infant, a three month old infant and a sixmonth old infant. A representative example of the types of adjustmentsto the various modules, features and functions effective for emulatingdifferently aged infants is set forth in Table Thirty below.

TABLE THIRTY (AGE APPROPRIATE SETTINGS) FEATURE NEWBORN 3 MONTHS 6MONTHS ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS Sensitivity to High Sensitivity Moderate LowSensitivity Sounds Sensitivity Tendency to High Moderate Low Become Over(>20 min activity) (>30 min activity) (>50 min activity) StimulatedSensitivity to High Sensitivity Moderate Low Sensitivity SmokeSensitivity Sensitivity to Light High Sensitivity Moderate LowSensitivity Sensitivity Rest Period Many (5-8/day) Moderate (3-5/day)Few (1-2/day) Requirements Acceptable Small (20-30° C.) Moderate (18-32°C.) Large (15-35° C.) Temperature Range DEMAND EVENTS Demand Event Short(20-90 min) Moderate (30-120 min) Long (30-180 min) Intervals DemandPeriod Short (05-30 min) Moderate (10-40 min) Long (10-60 min) DurationOccurrence of Limited (0-2/day) Moderate (2-3/day) Frequent (3-4/day)Fussy Periods ANCILLARY FEATURES Type and Limited Coos (3-5/ ModerateCoos and Frequent Coos, Occurrence of day) Gurgles (5-8/day) Gurgles,Smiles, Content Signal etc. (8-10/day) Delay to Reach Extended PeriodModerate Period Short Period Escalated Demand (10-15 min) (5-10 min)(2-5 min) Signal Type and Intensity Soft Cry Cry Scream ofDemand/Distress Signal Occurrence of Self- None Few (2-3) Many (5-10)Directed Expressions

The age selected by the program administrator can be recorded andreported.

Feeding Method Behavior Modes

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to allow a programadministrator to select between a breast feeding option and a bottlefeeding option for purposes of emulating the different care requirementsof such differently fed infants. The different care requirements can begenerally be emulated by providing a greater frequency of feeding anddiaper change periods for the breast fed option, while providing forlonger feeding and diaper change periods for the bottle fed option.

In addition, the breast fed program could require that feeding occur ina private location (e.g., the feeding-request satisfaction signal St₆will not arrest the feeding-request signal S₆ when excessive noiselevels are detected by the sound sensor 340), while the bottle fedprogram could require morning and/or evening attendance periods (i.e.,generation of a bottle-preparation demand signal S_(BOTTLE) requiringthe student to provide a bottle-preparation satisfaction signalSt_(BOTTLE)), and a requirement that the student carry a facsimile of abottle(s) with them as the only means for providing the feeding-requestsatisfaction signal St₆ to the infant simulator 05.

The selected feeding option can be recorded and reported.

Disposition of Infant

The central microcontroller unit 20 may be programmed to allow theprogram administrator to change the level of care required by the infantsimulator 05 to reflect infants having different dispositionsAlternatively, selection of the level can be randomly selected by thecentral microcontroller unit 20 for each assignment period. Thesedifferent levels of care can be produced by altering (i) the timeinterval between demand events (i.e., increase or decrease the number ofdemand events occurring within an assignment period), (ii) altering theduration of each demand period (i.e., increase or decrease the length ofeach period), and/or (iii) the threshold values beyond which anenvironmental event is commenced (e.g., decreasing the acceptabletemperature range). The levels of care can be increased and/or decreasedthrough any number of continuous or stepped levels as desired. Aconvenient program permits the care level to be selected from amongst aneasy level (i.e., long intervals, short demand periods and highthreshold values), an average level (i.e., modestly long intervals,alternating long and short demand periods and modest threshold values),and a difficult level (e.g., short intervals, long demand periods andlow threshold values).

The disposition of the infant simulator 05 set by the programadministrator can be recorded and reported.

Automatic Changes

Daytime/Night Time Feature

Infants tend to have different care requirements during the daytime(e.g., between the hours of about 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., morepreferably between the hours of about 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.). and thenight time (e.g., between the hours of about 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.,more preferably between the hours of about 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.). Asa general matter, night time care requirements are less than daytimerequirements, with longer intervals between demand events and shorterdemand periods during the night time hours, but an increased sensitivityto environmental conditions such as sound and light.

In order to emulate the different care requirements of an infant duringdaytime and night time hours, the infant simulator 05 can be equippedwith an internal clock (not shown) set to the actual time of day, andprogrammed to decrease the care requirements of the infant simulator 05during the night time hours (stated alternatively, programmed toincrease the care requirements of the infant simulator 05 during thedaytime hours) by decreasing the duration of demand periods, increasingthe time intervals between demand events and/or lowering the thresholdvalue for commencement of a loud sound exposure event, during the nighttime hours. (alternatively, increasing the duration of demand periods,decreasing the time intervals between demand events and/or expanding thethreshold value for commencement of a loud sound exposure event, duringthe daytime hours).

A perceptible daytime and/or night time period signal S_(DAY) isoptionally generated at the appropriate time so as to notify the studentthat the infant simulator 05 is on a daytime or night time schedule. Thecentral microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate theperceptible daytime and/or night time period signal S_(DAY) only at thebeginning of the appropriate period (i.e., generate a ten second suckingsound when the infant simulator is beginning a daytime schedule and/orgenerate a ten second yawning sound when the infant simulator isbeginning a night time schedule), or continuously throughout thecorresponding daytime and/or night time period (e.g., an image of a cribis illuminated for the duration of the night time period).

The extent to which the duration of the demand periods are decreased,the time interval between demand events is increased and/or thesensitivity to sounds is increased during the night time hours canindividually be a bounded random variable (e.g., 50% to 200%) or apredetermined variable (e.g., 100%).

Daytime hours should include at least the core hours of 10:00 a.m. to4:00 p.m. Night time hours should include at least the core hours of12:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. The specific time at which the infant simulatortransitions from one schedule to the other is not critical, so long asthe core hours fall within the appropriate period. The transition from adaytime to a night time schedule preferably occurs between hours of 8:00p.m. and 10:00 p.m., while the transition from a night time to a daytimeschedule preferably occurs between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Activation of this feature can be recorded and reported.

Disposition Based Upon Level of Care Provided by Student

The central microcontroller unit 20 may be programmed to increase thelevel of care required by the infant simulator 05 (i.e., change thedisposition of the infant) for a defined time period (e.g., about 1 to12 hours) based upon the level of care provided by the student during anassignment period. For example, failure to provide a satisfaction signalwithin two minutes for three consecutive demand events, failure torespond to a single demand signal within a demand period, or subjectingthe simulator to physical abuse, causes the infant simulator to increasethe level of care required from easy to average for four hours.

Any increases in the level of care initiated by this feature can berecorded and reported.

Sick Period

The central microcontroller unit 20 can be programmed to effect a sickperiod, wherein the care requirements of the infant simulator 05 areincreased by (i) increasing the duration of the demand periods occurringwithin the sick period, (ii) decreasing the time interval between demandevents occurring within the sick period, and/or (iii) adjusting thethreshold values beyond which an environmental event is commenced (e.g.,decreasing the acceptable temperature range).

The commencement of a sick period can be signaled by the infantsimulator 05 by generation of a perceptible sick signal S₁₄, such as thelighting of an image representative of illness (e.g., an Rx symbol),whimpering, fidgeting, etc.

The time interval between sick periods can be a bounded random variable(e.g., occurring every 8 to 72 hours) or a predetermined variable (e.g.,sequentially occurring at intervals of 10, 36, 24, 48 and 72 hours). Inorder to more accurately emulate the care requirements of an actualinfant, and prevent students from memorizing the schedule of demandevents, it is generally preferred to control the time interval betweensick periods as a bounded random variable. Alternatively, multiplepredefined programs, each providing a different fixed schedule of sickperiods, can also be realistically employed so long as the students donot know which program has been selected (i.e., the schedule of sickperiods is random from the perspective of the student) and the number ofprograms is sufficient to prevent the students from memorizing one ortwo different schedules and thereafter being able to partially defeatthe purpose of the program.

A perceptible sick period signal S₁₄ is optionally generated uponcommencement of a sick period so as to notify the student that theinfant simulator 05 is ill and will require increased care. The centralmicrocontroller unit 20 can be programmed to generate the perceptiblesick period signal S₁₄ only at the beginning of a sick period (i.e.,generate a ten second coughing fit when a sick period is initiated bythe central microcontroller unit 20), periodically throughout a sickperiod (e.g., generate a two second cough every ten minutes once a sickperiod is initiated by the central microcontroller unit 20), orcontinuously throughout a sick period (e.g., an Rx image is illuminatedfor the duration of the sick period). The end of a sick period canoptionally be indicated by the generation of a wellness signal such asprolonged giggling.

The central microcontroller unit 20 can include a recording function forrecording the occurrence of a sick period for informing the programadministrator that the student was required to care for a sick infantduring the assignment period. The specific information recorded andreported by the central microcontroller unit 20 can range from simplyrecording and reporting that at least one sick period occurred duringthe assignment period, to recording and reporting the total duration ofall sick periods occurring during the assignment period. A nonexhaustivelist of options for recording and reporting relevant sick period data isset forth in Table Thirty One, provided below.

TABLE THIRTY ONE (OPTIONS FOR RECORDING AND REPORTING SICK PERIOD DATA)OPTION DESCRIPTION DATA RECORDED SAMPLE REPORT 1 Records and reportsthat at least one Yes/No Yes sick period occurred within an assignmentperiod. 2 Records and reports total duration Minutes 45 of all sickperiods occurring throughout an assignment period. 3 Records and reportsnumber of sick #/Minutes 2: 45 periods and total duration of all sickperiods occurring throughout an assignment period. 4 Records and reportsnumber of sick #/Minutes 2: 45 periods and total duration of all sickMinutes 221/2 periods occurring throughout an assignment period, andmean duration of the sick periods occurring throughout an assignmentperiod. 5 Records and reports duration of #/Minutes 1: 35 eachindividual sick period 2: 10 occurring throughout an assignment period.6 Records and reports number of sick #/Minutes 2: 45 periods, totalduration of all sick Minutes 35, 10 periods occurring throughout anassignment period, and individual duration of each sick period occurringthroughout an assignment period.

The extent to which the duration of the demand period is increased, thetime interval between demand events is decreased and/or the sensitivityto environmental conditions is increased within a sick period canindividually be a bounded random variable (e.g., 50% to 200%) or apredetermined variable (e.g., 100%), with each sick period having thesame or different percentage changes.

The number and/or duration of any sick periods occurring during anassignment period can be recorded and reported.

Comatose State 280

The microcontroller unit 20 may be programmed to cause the infantsimulator 05 to enter into a comatose state in the event that athreshold limit of abuse or neglect is reached (e.g., the infantsimulator 05 is subjected to physical abuse lasting longer than 10seconds, the temperature of the infant simulator 05 is more than 20° C.greater than the maximum allowable temperature for more than 20 minutes,the infant simulator 05 experiences a compression of greater than 250 N,multiple demand events are never satisfied during the demand period,etc.). A comatose state can be simulated in a variety of ways. Apreferred method of simulating entry into a comatose state is for thecentral microcontroller unit 20 to cease all other interactive functions(e.g., thermal exposure events are no longer recorded, diaper-changesignals S₄ are no longer generated, etc.), and generate a comatosesignal S₁₁ capable of being satisfied by entry of a password orinsertion of a medical care key possessed only by a designated medicalrepresentative such as the program administrator), with a failure toobtain the necessary medical care within a defined time (e.g., a medicalattention-request period of 30 minutes) resulting in death of the infantsimulator 05 (i.e., recording and reporting death of the infantsimulator 05 and ending the program).

Entry into a comatose state can be recorded and reported.

Contented Signal

The microcontroller unit 20 may be programmed to provide a positiveresponse + when the student has appropriately responded to a demandsignal, (e.g., timely changing a diaper 60 in response to adiaper-change signal S₄). The positive response + can be substantiallyany perceptible signal recognizable as signaling a happy or contentedinfant, including specifically, but not exclusively audible signals(e.g., cooing or giggling), olfactory signals (e.g., emission ofpleasant scent), visual signals (e.g., smiling, or wiggling of thefeet), and multimedia signals (e.g., cooing and smiling).

The positive response + can be scheduled to occur immediately uponproviding the requested care (e.g., after changing a diaper 60 inresponse to a diaper-change signal S₄ or at the end of a satisfiedburping period) or after a defined time delay (e.g., two minutes afterchanging a diaper 60 in response to a diaper-change signal S₄ or between20 seconds and 2 minutes after a satisfied burping period has ended).

The microcontroller unit 20 may be programmed to provide the positiveresponse + upon the satisfaction of each and every demand event, onlyupon the satisfaction of selected demand events, or on some otherschedule (e.g., only after every other satisfied demand event, onlyafter satisfied burping and diaper-change events, or a 20% chance ofoccurring after each satisfied demand event). The microcontroller unit20 may also be programmed to provide the positive response + only uponthe prompt satisfaction of a demand event (e.g., satisfaction signalprovided within two minutes of initiation of demand signal).

A positive response + should not be provided in connection with anenvironmental event (i.e., thermal exposure signal S₂ or distress signalS₃) since satisfaction of such signals is based upon removal of anunpleasant stimuli rather than the comforting satisfaction of a need.

The number of contented signals generated by the infant simulator 05 canbe recorded and reported.

Perceptibly Different Signals

The infant simulator 05 can provide a perceptible signal for each of anumber of different things, selected from (i) an unacceptableenvironmental condition of abusive compression, impact, improperposition, loud sounds, overstimulation, smoke, direct sunlight andtemperature extremes, and (ii) the demand events of diaper-change,feeding, burping, fussing, resting and rocking. The perceptible signalgenerated for each of these things can be the same or different. Forexample, the perceptible signal generated when the infant simulator 05is unacceptably positioned can be a loud cry, while the perceptiblesignal generated for requesting to be fed can be a whimper. Thedifferences can be significant (e.g., whimpering versus screaming), orsubtle (e.g., loud whimpering versus soft crying).

The use of different perceptible signals for different environmental anddemand events serves the desired effect of awarding attentive studentsby informing such students of the specific satisfaction signal required(e.g., a soft cry signals a need to be rocked while whimpering signals aneed to change the diaper 60). In order to prevent the students frommemorizing and sharing such information, the infant simulator 05 canoptionally be equipped with an ability for the program administrator tochange the specific perceptible signal to be generated for each event atthe beginning of each assignment period.

Grace Period

The infant simulator 05 can be programmed to provide a grace period(e.g., about 1 to 3 minutes, preferably 2 minutes) after the initiationof a demand signal, within which the student can provide the appropriatesatisfaction signal and the duration of the demand episode is recordedas zero. The recorded and reported duration of those demand episodeshaving a duration longer than the grace period can include or excludethe grace period as desired, with the program administrator advised asto the option selected so that they may accurately interpret therecorded and reported data and provide appropriate feedback to thestudent.

In a preferred embodiment, the infant simulator 05 provides the studentwith a positive signal + whenever the student has responded to thedemand signal within the grace period, thereby immediately advising thestudent that they have provided prompt care and the report provided tothe program administrator at the end of the assignment period willreflect that the duration of the demand episode was zero.

Identification System

In order to ensure that the student assigned to care for the infantsimulator 05 is at least present when the demands of the infantsimulator 05 are being satisfied (i.e., either providing the necessarycare themselves or securing the necessary care from someone else at thetime the demand event is commenced), the infant simulator 05 can beequipped with an identification system (not shown). The identificationsystem (not shown) would prevent a satisfaction signal (e.g., rocking ofthe infant simulator 05) from arresting the demand signal (e.g.,rocking-request signal S₅) until an identification signal S^(ID) isreceived by the identification system (not shown).

An exemplary identification system (not shown) includes at least, (i) ameans for receiving an identification signal S^(ID) personal to theassigned student, and (ii) a means in communication with theidentification-signal receiving means (not shown) and the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 effective for preventing arresting of a demandsignal until the identification signal S^(ID) is received by theidentification-signal receiving means (not shown).

The means for receiving an identification signal S^(ID) personal to theassigned student can be any of a number of systems or devices capable ofidentifying and responding only to a unique item or characteristicpossessed by the assigned student. A nonexhaustive list of such devicesincludes (i) a fingerprint recognition device (not shown), (ii) a voicerecognition device (not shown), and (iii) a keyhole (not shown)accepting a uniquely shaped identification key 90 attachable to thewrist of the assigned student by a tamper indicating wristband 91.

Escalating Demand Signal 240

The microcontroller unit 20 may be programmed to escalate the strength,intensity and/or severity of the perceptible demand signal and distresssignals generated by the infant simulator 05 as the severity of anunacceptable environmental condition increases (e.g., the temperature ofthe infant simulator 05 is more than 5° C. greater than a maximumallowable temperature) and/or the duration of a demand episode increases(e.g., the demand episode lasts longer than 10 minutes). The escalationcan be effected in a variety of ways dependent upon the specific type ofsignal. For example, an audible cry can be escalated from a soft cry toa loud cry, or from a cry to a scream. Similarly, a light can be changedfrom a white to red.

The perceptible demand signal can be escalated through any number ofcontinuous or stepped levels as desired. A simple single steppedescalation—normal to increased—is relatively simple to implement andgenerally effective for providing the student with appropriate noticethat an unacceptable environmental condition or demand event is notbeing timely satisfied.

In a similar fashion, the microcontroller unit 20 may be programmed tode-escalate the strength, intensity and/or severity of an escalatedperceptible demand signal or distress signal generated by the infantsimulator 05 once the appropriate satisfaction signal has beentransmitted to the infant simulator 05 for purposes of increasing thereality of the simulation (e.g., the infant simulator 05 immediatelydecreases an escalated perceptible demand signal from a shriek to a cryupon receipt of the appropriate satisfaction signal, and five minuteslater terminates generation of the cry).

Self-Directed Expression Module 410

For purposes of emulating the actions of an actual infant and enhancingthe reality of the simulation, the central microcontroller unit 20 canbe programmed to effect periodic self-directed expressions E₁, whereinthe infant simulator 05 provides the student caring for the infantsimulator 05 with interesting and often delightful expressions on aschedule unknown to the student. Self-directed expressions E₁ can beinterspersed throughout the assignment period as desired for purposes ofemulating such occurrences in real life.

Preferred types of self-directed expressions E₁ are those of the typewhich are of limited duration (e.g., several seconds) and wouldtypically be perceived by a student as not requiring any satisfaction.Such preferred expressions including specifically, but not exclusively,babbling, blinking of the eyes, giggling, gurgling, hiccuping, laughing,screaming with joy, smiling, squinting, sighing, wrinkling-up of thenose, etc.

The number of self-generated expressions generated during an assignmentperiod can be recorded and reported.

Sound Recording

The environmental event and demand event modules can include a soundrecorder 360 for recording verbal comments and statements made by astudent within the proximity of the infant simulator 05.

In order to provide a recording of useful duration, the sound recorder360 should record only when (i) a verbal reaction can be expected fromthe student (e.g., a three minute period after commencing generation ofa demand signal, during a fussy period, or during a pernicious event),and/or (ii) loud sounds are detected (e.g., yelling, screaming orshouting).

Example

FIGS. 2 a-2 t (excluding a FIG. 21 and including a FIGS. 2 n′ and 2 o′)provide a flowchart for one embodiment of each of the modules listedbelow in Table Thirty Two. Each of the modules includes both the demandsignal generating feature 210 and the recording feature 220, except forthe fussy module 180 and sick period module 460 which include only ademand signal generating feature 210, and the initiation 100, assignmentperiod 190, and self-directed expression 410 modules which do notinclude either of these features.

The modules also include each of the ancillary features of comatosestate 280, contented signal 230, identification system 250, escalatingdemand signal 240, and sound recording 225 as listed next to eachmodule. The ancillary features of multiple time interval durations 260and multiple period durations 270, used to create multiple behaviormodes, and the ancillary feature of age dependent programming, feedingmethod dependent programming, disposition dependent programming, anddaytime/night time dependent programming are not shown or depicted inthe flowchart as such features are controlled by the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 rather than the individual modules.

TABLE THIRTY TWO (LISTING OF MODULES AND ANCILLARY FEATURES) REFERENCEMODULE NO. ANCILLARY FEATURES INITIATION 100 None POSITION 110 1.Escalating Demand Signal TEMPERATURE 120 1. Escalating Demand Signal 2.Sound Recording 3. Comatose State ABUSE 130 1. Escalating Demand Signal(COMPRESSION) 2. Sound Recording 3. Comatose State DIAPER CHANGE 140 1.Contented Signal 2. Identification System 3. Escalating Demand Signal 4.Sound Recording ROCKING 150 1. Contented Signal 2. Identification System3. Escalating Demand Signal 4. Sound Recording FEEDING 160 1. ContentedSignal 2. Identification System 3. Escalating Demand Signal 4. SoundRecording BURP 170 1. Contented Signal 2. Identification System 3.Escalating Demand Signal 4. Sound Recording FUSSY 180 None SELF-DIRECTED410 None EXPRESSION SMOKE 420 1. Escalating Demand Signal 2. SoundRecording ABUSE (IMPACT) 430 1. Escalating Demand Signal 2. ComatoseState OVERSTIMULATION 440 1. Escalating Demand Signal 2. Sound RecordingRESTING 450 1. Contented Signal 2. Identification System 3. EscalatingDemand Signal 4. Sound Recording SICK 460 None SUN EXPOSURE 470 1.Escalating Demand Signal 2. Sound Recording LOUD SOUND 480 1. EscalatingDemand Signal 2. Sound Recording MISSING-DIAPER 490 1. Sound RecordingASSIGNMENT PERIOD 190 None

The individual modules can occur in any sequence, with the exception ofthe initiation module 100 which must occur first, the assignment periodmodule 190 which must occur last, and the burping module 170 which canoccur only after satisfaction of the feeding module 160.

Initiation Module 100

Upon activating the infant simulator 05, the central microcontrollerunit 20 turns the bypass signal

ON, begins timing the assignment period, and begins timing the intervalsbetween successive demand events (i.e., diaper-change, rocking, feeding,fussing, and resting events) based upon the program selected and/orpreprogrammed into the central microcontroller unit 20 and the selectedbehavior modes (i.e., age, feeding method, and disposition). Based uponthe program selected, the central microcontroller unit 20 signals eachof the diaper-change 140, rocking 150, feeding 160 and fussing 180 andresting 450 modules at the appropriate times to start and stop acorresponding demand event. The central microcontroller unit 20 alsosignals the sick infant module 460 to start and stop a sick period atthe appropriate time. The central microcontroller unit 20 also commencescycling through each of the modules.

Position Module 110

The position sensor 30 detects the position of the infant simulator 05as between an acceptable position (e.g., laying on its back or side) andan unacceptable position (e.g., laying face down or upside down) andsignals the position module 110 when the infant simulator 05 is detectedin an unacceptable position.

Referring to FIG. 2 b, the position module 110 is bypassed so long asthe infant simulator 05 is in an acceptable position. However, when theposition module 110 receives a signal from the position sensor 30 thatthe infant simulator 05 is in an unacceptable position, the positionmodule 110 initiates generation of the repositioning-request signal S₁by means of the demand signal generating feature 210 embedded within themodule 110, starts sound recorder 360 for a defined period of time(e.g., 3 to 5 minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction by thestudent, starts timing the length of time the repositioning-requestsignal S₁ is generated, and turns OFF the bypass signal

.

If the repositioning-request signal S₁ is generated for longer than apredetermined time x (e.g., 10 minutes), the position module 110increases the intensity of the repositioning-request signal S₁ by meansof the escalating demand feature 240 embedded within the module 110. Therepositioning-request signal S₁ is generated at the increased intensitythereafter until the infant simulator 05 is returned to an acceptableposition.

Once the infant simulator 05 is returned to an acceptable position,generation of the repositioning-request signal S₁ is turned OFF, theoccurrence of a repositioning-request event is counted, the duration oftime during which the infant simulator 05 was in an unacceptableposition (i.e., the length of time the repositioning-request signal S₁was generated) recorded by the recording feature 220, therepositioning-request period timer is stopped and reset, the intensityof the repositioning-request signal S₁ is checked and returned to normalif intensified, the bypass signal

is turned back ON, and the position module 110 is exited.

In order to allow the microcontroller unit 20 to cycle through the othermodules even though the infant simulator 05 is improperly positioned fora prolonged period of time, the central microcontroller unit 20 can beprogrammed to terminate generation of the repositioning-request signalS₁ and exit the position module 110 after a defined time period (e.g.,10-60 minutes) even though the infant simulator 05 remains improperlypositioned (not shown in FIG. 2 b). Timing of the duration of theimproper positioning occurrence can also be terminated, or continueduntil the infant simulator 05 is returned to an acceptable positioning.

Temperature Module 120

The temperature sensor 40 measures the temperature of the infantsimulator 05 and signals the temperature module 120 when the temperaturefalls outside an acceptable temperature range (i.e., less than 15° C. orgreater than 35° C.).

Referring to FIG. 2 c, the temperature module 120 is bypassed so long asthe infant simulator 05 is kept at a temperature within the acceptabletemperature range. However, when the temperature module 120 receives asignal that the infant simulator 05 is being exposed to an unacceptabletemperature, the temperature module 120 initiates generation of thethermal exposure signal S₂ by means of the demand signal generatingfeature 210 embedded within the temperature module 120, starts timingthe length of time the thermal exposure signal S₂ is generated, startssound recorder 360 for a defined period of time (e.g., 3 to 5 minutes)in order to record any verbal reaction by the student, and turns OFF thebypass signal

.

If the thermal exposure signal S₂ is generated for longer than apredetermined time x (e.g., 10 minutes), the temperature module 120increases the intensity of the thermal exposure signal S₂ by means ofthe escalating demand feature 240 embedded within the temperature module120. The thermal exposure signal S₂ is generated at the increasedintensity thereafter until the infant simulator 05 is returned to anacceptable temperature.

Once the infant simulator 05 is returned to an acceptable temperature,generation of the thermal exposure signal S₂ is turned OFF, theoccurrence of a thermal exposure event is counted, the duration of timeduring which the infant simulator 05 was exposed to unacceptabletemperatures (i.e., the length of time the thermal exposure signal S₂was generated) is recorded by the recording feature 220, the thermalexposure period timer is stopped and reset, the intensity of the thermalexposure signal S₂ is checked and returned to normal if intensified, thebypass signal

is turned back ON, and the temperature module 120 is exited.

In order to allow the microcontroller unit 20 to cycle through the othermodules even though the infant simulator 05 is exposed to unacceptabletemperatures for a prolonged period of time, the central microcontrollerunit 20 can be programmed to terminate generation of the thermalexposure signal S₂ and exit the temperature module 120 after a definedtime period (e.g., 10-60 minutes) even though the infant simulator 05remains exposed to unacceptable temperatures (not shown in FIG. 2 c).Timing of the duration of the thermal exposure can also be terminated,or continued until the infant simulator 05 is returned to an acceptabletemperature.

Compression Module 130

As shown in FIG. 3, the compression sensing system 50 detects acompression of the mannequin's head 11. When compression is detected bythe compression sensing system 50, the compression sensing system 50signals the compression module 130.

Referring to FIG. 2 d, the compression module 130 is bypassed so long asthe head 11 of the infant simulator 05 is not being squeezed orcompressed. However, when the compression module 130 receives a signalthat the head 11 of the infant simulator 05 is being compressed, thecompression module 130 initiates generation of the compression distresssignal S₃ by means of the demand signal generating feature 210 embeddedwithin the compression module 130, starts timing the length of time thedistress signal S₃ is generated, starts sound recorder 360 in order torecord any verbal reaction by the student, and turns OFF the bypasssignal

.

If the duration of the compression, as measured by the length of timethe compression distress signal S₃ has been generated, exceeds apredetermined time value x (e.g., 10 seconds), the compression module130 increases the intensity of the compression distress signal S₃ bymeans of the escalating demand feature 240 embedded within thecompression module 130. The compression distress signal S₃ is generatedat the increased intensity thereafter until some period of time aftercompression of the head 11 has ceased.

Once compression of the infant simulator 05 is ceased, the distresssignal S₃ continues for some period of time (e.g., 15 minutes) tosimulate injury to the infant simulator 05. Thereafter, generation ofthe compression distress signal S₃ is turned OFF, the occurrence of acompression event is counted by the recording feature 220, thecompression timer is stopped and reset, the sound recorder 360 isstopped, the intensity of the compression distress signal S₃ is checkedand returned to normal if intensified, the bypass signal

is turned back ON, and the compression module 130 is exited.

Smoke Detector Module 420

The smoke detector 320 detects the presence of smoke and signals thesmoke detector module 420.

Referring to FIG. 2 m, the smoke detector module 320 is bypassed so longas the infant simulator 05 is not subjected to smoke. However, when thesmoke detector 320 receives a signal that the infant simulator 05 isbeing exposed to smoke, the smoke detector module 320 initiatesgeneration of a smoke exposure signal S₉ by means of the demand signalgenerating feature 210 embedded within the smoke detector module 420,starts timing the length of time the smoke exposure signal S₉ isgenerated, starts sound recorder 360 for a defined period of time (e.g.,3 to 5 minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction by the student,and turns OFF the bypass signal

.

If the smoke exposure signal S₉ is generated for longer than apredetermined time x (e.g., 10 minutes), the smoke detector module 420increases the intensity of the smoke exposure signal S₉ by means of theescalating demand feature 240 embedded within the smoke detector module420. The smoke exposure signal S₉ is generated at the increasedintensity thereafter.

Once the infant simulator 05 is removed from the smoky environment,generation of the smoke exposure signal S₉ is turned OFF, the occurrenceof a smoke exposure event is counted, the duration of time during whichthe infant simulator 05 was exposed to smoke (i.e., the length of timethe smoke exposure signal S₉ was generated) is recorded by the recordingfeature 220, the smoke exposure period timer is stopped and reset, theintensity of the smoke exposure signal S₉ is checked and returned tonormal if intensified, the bypass signal

is turned back ON, and the smoke detector module 420 is exited.

In order to allow the microcontroller unit 20 to cycle through the othermodules even though the infant simulator 05 is exposed to smoke for aprolonged period of time, the central microcontroller unit 20 can beprogrammed to terminate generation of the smoke exposure signal S₉ andexit the smoke detector module 420 after a defined time period (e.g.,10-60 minutes) even though the infant simulator 05 remains exposed tosmoke (not shown in FIG. 2 m). Timing of the duration of the smokeexposure can also be terminated, or continued until the infant simulator05 is no longer exposed to smoke.

Impact Abuse Module 430

As shown in FIG. 3, the impact sensor 70 detects an impact to themannequin 10. When an initial impact of sufficient force is detected bythe impact sensor 70, the impact sensor 70 signals the impact abusemodule 430.

Referring to FIG. 2 n, the impact abuse module 430 is bypassed so longas the infant simulator 05 is not being subjected to an abusive impact.However, when the impact abuse module 430 receives a signal that theinfant simulator 05 has received an abusive impact, the impact abusemodule 430 starts sound recorder 360 in order to record any verbalstatements made by the student, terminates and resets any active modules(e.g., diaper change module 140) and then checks for any subsequentabusive impacts after a short delay of between about ½ to 2 seconds.When only a single abusive impact is detected by the impact sensor 70(i.e., the abuse is a single brief impact) the impact sensor module 430enters the dropped infant submodule 431. In the event that subsequentabusive impacts are detected (i.e., the abuse is prolonged) the impactabuse module 430 enters the shaken infant submodule 432.

Dropped Infant Submodule

Upon entering the dropped infant submodule 431 an impact distress signalS₁₀ is generated by means of the demand signal generating feature 210embedded within the dropped infant submodule 431 for some period of time(e.g., 15 minutes) in order to simulate injury to the infant simulator05, the occurrence of a “dropped” abuse event is counted by therecording feature 220, the sound recorder 360 is stopped, and the impactabuse module 430 is exited.

Shaken Infant Submodule

Upon entering the shaken infant submodule 432 the submodule initiatesgeneration of the impact distress signal S₁₀ by means of the demandsignal generating feature 210 embedded within the dropped infantsubmodule 431, starts timing the duration of the abuse, counts theoccurrence of a “shaken” abuse event by means of the recording feature220, and continues to monitor the infant simulator 05 for continuedimpacts.

If further impacts are not sensed then the impact distress signal S₁₀ isgenerated for some period of time (e.g., 30 minutes) in order tosimulate injury to the infant simulator 05, the abuse event timer isstopped and reset, the sound recorder 360 is stopped, and the impactabuse module 430 is exited.

If further impacts are sensed and the duration of the abusive impactsexceeds a predetermined time value x (e.g., 5 seconds), the impact abusemodule 430 increases the intensity of the impact distress signal S₁₀ bymeans of the escalating demand feature 240 embedded within the impactabuse module 430. The impact distress signal S₁₀ is generated at theincreased intensity thereafter until generation of the impact distresssignal S₁₀ is turned OFF.

If the abusive impacts are thereafter discontinued before a secondpredetermined time value y (e.g., 10 seconds) is reached, the impactdistress signal S₁₀ is turned OFF after some period of time (e.g., 15minutes) to simulate injury to the infant simulator 05, the abuse eventtimer is stopped and reset, the sound recorder 360 is stopped, and theimpact abuse module 430 is exited.

If the duration of the abusive impacts continue and exceed the secondpredetermined time value y, the impact abuse module 430 enters thecomatose feature 280 embedded within the shaken infant submodule 432.Upon entering the comatose feature 280 a comatose signal S₁₁ isgenerated, the impact distress signal S₁₀ is turned OFF, the occurrenceof entry into a comatose state is counted by the recording feature 220,and timing of the abuse event continues.

If a medical attention satisfaction signal St₁₁ is communicated to theimpact abuse module 430 after entry into the comatose feature 280 andbefore a third predetermined time value z (e.g., about 20 to 60 minutesmeasured from detection of the initial impact) the comatose signal S₁₁is turned off, the intensity of the impact distress signal S₁₀ isreturned to normal, the abuse event timer is stopped and reset, thesound recorder 360 is stopped, and the impact abuse module 430 isexited. If, on the other hand, the medical attention satisfaction signalSt₁₁ is not communicated to the impact abuse module 430 within the thirdpredetermined time value z (i.e., the end of the medicalattention-request period), then death of the infant simulator 05 isrecorded, the abuse event timer is stopped and reset, the sound recorder360 is stopped, and the program is ended.

Overstimulation Module 440

The motion sensor 70 detects movement of the infant simulator 05 andcommunicates with the central microcontroller unit 20 for evaluating theextent to which the infant simulator 05 is being moved. Overstimulationis sensed and the overstimulation module 440 entered when excessivemovement of the infant simulator 05 is detected over an extended periodof time.

Referring to FIG. 2 o′, central microcontroller unit 20 communicateswith motion sensor 70 on a periodic basis (e.g., a sample period ofevery two minutes) to determine whether movement of the infant simulator05 has been detected by the motion sensor 70 within that sample periods. The microcontroller unit 20 then calculates the percentage (n/x) ofsample periods s in which motion has been detected (n) for the mostrecent subset x (e.g., 60) of sample periods s. When this percentage(n/x) exceeds a predetermined activation threshold value (e.g., 95%) anoverstimulation indicator is turned ON and communicated to theoverstimulation module 440. Thereafter the overstimulation indicatorremains ON and the central microcontroller unit 20 continues tocommunicate with motion sensor 70 and calculate the percentage (n/x) ofsample periods s in which motion has been detected (n) for the mostrecent group of x sample periods s, until the percentage (n/x) fallsbelow a predetermined deactivation threshold value (e.g., 90%). Uponreaching the deactivation threshold value, the microcontroller unit 20turns the overstimulation indicator OFF and communicates this to theoverstimulation module 440.

Referring to FIG. 2 o, the overstimulation module 440 is bypassed solong as the overstimulation indicator is turned OFF. However, when theoverstimulation module 440 receives a signal from the microcontrollerunit 20 that the overstimulation indicator is ON, the overstimulationmodule 440 initiates generation of the overstimulation signal S₁₂ bymeans of the demand signal generating feature 210 embedded within theoverstimulation module 440, starts timing the length of time theoverstimulation signal S₁₂ is generated, starts sound recorder 360 for adefined period of time (e.g., 3 to 5 minutes) in order to record anyverbal reaction by the student, and turns OFF the bypass signal

.

If the overstimulation signal S₁₂ is generated for a predetermined timex (e.g., 10 minutes), the overstimulation module 440 increases theintensity of the overstimulation signal S₁₂ by means of the escalatingdemand feature 240 embedded within the overstimulation module 440. Theoverstimulation signal S₁₂ is generated at the increased intensitythereafter.

Once the overstimulation module 440 receives a signal from themicrocontroller unit 20 that the overstimulation indicator is turnedOFF, generation of the overstimulation signal S₁₂ is turned OFF, theoccurrence of an overstimulation event is counted and the duration oftime during which the infant simulator 05 was overstimulated (i.e., thelength of time the overstimulation signal S₁₂ was generated) recorded bythe recording feature 220, the overstimulation event timer is stoppedand reset, the intensity of the overstimulation signal S₁₂ is checkedand returned to normal if intensified, the bypass signal

is turned back ON, and the overstimulation module 440 is exited.

In order to allow the microcontroller unit 20 to cycle through the othermodules even though the infant simulator 05 is overstimulated for aprolonged period of time, the central microcontroller unit 20 can beprogrammed to terminate generation of the overstimulation signal S₁₂ andexit the overstimulation module 440 after a defined time period (e.g.,10-60 minutes) even though the infant simulator 05 remainsoverstimulated (not shown in FIG. 2 o). Timing of the duration ofoverstimulation can also be terminated, or continued until the infantsimulator 05 is no longer overstimulated.

Sun Exposure Module 470

The light sensor 350 measures the quantity of light striking the infantsimulator 05 and signals the sun exposure module 470 when theilluminance exceeds a defined threshold value (i.e., greater than 2,000foot-candles). The threshold value is established so as to preventexposure to standard synthetic lighting and indirect sunlight fromregistering as a sun exposure event, while minimizing instances where anactual exposure to direct sunlight is not recognized as a sun exposureevent.

Referring to FIG. 2 r, the sun exposure module 470 is bypassed so longas the infant simulator 05 is not exposed to direct sunlight (i.e.,illuminance is less than z). However, when the sun exposure module 470receives a signal that the infant simulator 05 is being exposed todirect sunlight (i.e., illuminance is greater than z), the sun exposuremodule 470 initiates generation of the sun exposure signal S₁₅ by meansof the demand signal generating feature 210 embedded within the sunexposure module 470, starts timing the length of time the sun exposuresignal S₁₅ is generated, starts sound recorder 360 for a defined periodof time (e.g., 3 to 5 minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction bythe student, and turns OFF the bypass signal

.

If the sun exposure signal S₁₅ is generated for longer than apredetermined time x (e.g., 10 minutes), the sun exposure module 470increases the intensity of the sun exposure signal S₁₅ by means of theescalating demand feature 240 embedded within the sun exposure module470. The sun exposure signal S₁₅ is generated at the increased intensitythereafter until the infant simulator 05 is removed from directsunlight.

Once the infant simulator 05 is removed from direct sunlight, generationof the sun exposure signal S₁₅ is turned OFF, the occurrence of a sunexposure event is counted and the duration of time during which theinfant simulator 05 was exposed to direct sunlight (i.e., the length oftime the sun exposure signal S₁₅ was generated) is recorded by therecording feature 220, the sun exposure period timer is stopped andreset, the intensity of the sun exposure signal S₁₅ is checked andreturned to normal if intensified, the bypass signal

is turned back ON, and the sun exposure module 470 is exited.

In order to allow the microcontroller unit 20 to cycle through the othermodules even though the infant simulator 05 is exposed to overly intensesunlight for a prolonged period of time, the central microcontrollerunit 20 can be programmed to terminate generation of the sun exposuresignal S₁₅ and exit the sun exposure module 470 after a defined timeperiod (e.g., 10-60 minutes) even though the infant simulator 05 remainsexposed to overly intense sunlight (not shown in FIG. 2 r). Timing ofthe duration of exposure to sunlight can also be terminated, orcontinued until the infant simulator 05 is no longer overly exposed.

Loud Sound Exposure Module 480

The sound sensor 40 measures the decibel level of sounds to which theinfant simulator 05 is exposed and signals the loud sound exposuremodule 480 when the decibel level exceeds a defined threshold value(i.e., greater than 80 dB). The threshold value is established so as toprevent exposure to typical environmental sounds from registering as aloud sound exposure event, while minimizing instances where an actualexposure to a loud sound is not recognized as a loud sound exposureevent.

Referring to FIG. 2 s, the loud sound exposure module 480 is bypassed solong as the infant simulator 05 is not exposed to loud sounds (i.e.,decibel level of sounds is less than d). However, when the loud soundexposure module 480 receives a signal that the infant simulator 05 isbeing exposed to loud sounds (i.e., a decibel level of greater than d),the loud sound exposure module 480 initiates generation of the loudsound exposure signal S₁₆ by means of the demand signal generatingfeature 210 embedded within the loud sound exposure module 480, startstiming the length of time the loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ isgenerated, starts sound recorder 360 for a defined period of time (e.g.,3 to 5 minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction by the student,and turns OFF the bypass signal

.

If the loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ is generated for longer than apredetermined time x (e.g., 10 minutes), the loud sound exposure module480 increases the intensity of the loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ bymeans of the escalating demand feature 240 embedded within the loudsound exposure module 480. The loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ isgenerated at the increased intensity thereafter until the infantsimulator 05 is no longer subjected to loud sounds.

Once the infant simulator 05 no longer detects the loud sounds,generation of the loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ is turned OFF, theoccurrence of a loud sound exposure event is counted and the duration oftime during which the infant simulator 05 was exposed to loud sounds(i.e., the length of time the loud sound exposure signal S₁₆ wasgenerated) is recorded by the recording feature 220, the loud soundexposure period timer is stopped and reset, the intensity of the loudsound exposure signal S₁₆ is checked and returned to normal ifintensified, the bypass signal

is turned back ON, and the loud sound exposure module 480 is exited.

In order to allow the microcontroller unit 20 to cycle through the othermodules even though the infant simulator 05 is exposed to loud soundsfor a prolonged period of time, the central microcontroller unit 20 canbe programmed to terminate generation of the loud sound exposure signalS₁₆ and exit the loud sound exposure module 480 after a defined timeperiod (e.g., 10-60 minutes) even though the infant simulator 05 remainsexposed to loud sounds (not shown in FIG. 2 s). Timing of the durationof the exposure to loud sounds can also be terminated, or continueduntil the infant simulator 05 is no longer exposed to loud sounds.

Missing Diaper Module 490

The diaper sensor 370 checks for the presence or absence of a diaper 60on the infant simulator 05 and signals the missing-diaper module 490when the infant simulator 05 is detected without a diaper 60.

Referring to FIG. 2 e, the missing-diaper module 490 is bypassed so longas the infant simulator 05 is wearing a diaper 60. However, when themissing-diaper module 490 receives a signal from the diaper sensor 370that the infant simulator 05 is not fitted with a diaper 60 (i.e., adiaper 60 is not detected by the diaper sensor 370), the missing-diapermodule 490 initiates generation of the missing-diaper signal S₁₇ bymeans of the demand signal generating feature 210 embedded within themodule 490, starts sound recorder 360 for a defined period of time(e.g., 3 to 5 minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction by thestudent, starts timing the length of time the missing-diaper signal S₁₇is generated, and turns OFF the bypass signal

.

Upon fitting the infant simulator 05 with a diaper 60, generation of themissing-diaper signal S₁₇ is turned OFF, the occurrence of amissing-diaper event is counted, the duration of time during which theinfant simulator 05 was without a diaper 60 (i.e., the length of timethe missing-diaper signal S₁₇ was generated) recorded by the recordingfeature 220, the missing-diaper period timer is stopped and reset, thebypass signal

is turned back ON, and the missing-diaper module 490 is exited.

In order to allow the microcontroller unit 20 to cycle through the othermodules even though the infant simulator 05 is not wearing a diaper 60for a prolonged period of time, the central microcontroller unit 20 canbe programmed to terminate generation of the missing-diaper signal S₁₇and exit the missing-diaper module 490 after a defined time period(e.g., 10-60 minutes) even though the infant simulator 05 remainsundiapered (not shown in FIG. 2 e). Timing of the duration of themissing-diaper period can also be terminated, or continued until theinfant simulator 05 is diapered.

Diaper-Change Module 140

The central microcontroller unit 20 periodically changes thesatisfaction signal St₄ requested by the diaper-change module 140, suchas by alternating between a first satisfaction signal St₄ ⁺ transmittedby a first diaper 60 a, and a second satisfaction signal St₄ ⁻transmitted by a second diaper 60 b.

The time intervals between sequential diaper-change events is preferablyselected so as to emulate the frequency of diaper changes required by anactual infant. By way of example, when the intervals are a predeterminedvalue, the intervals are preferably between about 20 minutes and 6hours, and when the intervals are bounded random variables, theintervals are preferably between a minimum of 1 to 2 hours and a maximumof 4 to 6 hours, with a statistical preference for a time intervalbetween approximately 1 and approximately 3 hours.

Referring to FIG. 2 f, the diaper-change module 140 checks for thecurrently requested diaper-change satisfaction signal (e.g., St₄ ⁺). Thediaper-change module 140 is bypassed so long as the currently requesteddiaper-change satisfaction signal St₄ is communicated to thediaper-change module 140.

In the event that either the currently requested diaper-changesatisfaction signal St₄ is no longer received by the diaper-changemodule 140 (e.g., the first diaper 60 a transmitting the diaper-changesatisfaction signal St₄ ⁺ has been removed from the infant simulator05), or the central microcontroller unit 20 has changed the requesteddiaper-change satisfaction signal St₄ (e.g., the requested diaper-changesatisfaction signal has been changed from St₄ ⁺ to St₄ ⁻), thediaper-change module 140 initiates generation of a diaper-change signalS₄ by means of the demand signal generating feature 210 embedded withinthe diaper-change module 140, starts timing the duration of thediaper-change episode by timing the length of time the diaper-changesignal S₄ is generated, and starts sound recorder 360 for a definedperiod of time (e.g., 3 to 5 minutes) in order to record any verbalreaction by the student.

In order to end a diaper-change episode before the time limitation y hasbeen reached, the diaper-change module 140 must receive both anidentification signal S^(ID) (e.g., insertion of an identification key90 attached to the wrist of the assigned student by means of a tamperindicating wristband 91) and the currently requested satisfaction signal(e.g., transmission of the diaper-change satisfaction signal St₄ ⁻ bydiapering the infant simulator 05 with the second diaper 60 b). For theembodiment depicted in FIG. 2 f, the identification S^(ID) anddiaper-change satisfaction signals St₄ may be received in any sequenceand do not need to be transmitted simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 2 f, the identification requirement is controlled bythe identification system feature 250 embedded within the diaper-changemodule 140. The identification system feature 250 prevents exiting ofthe diaper-change module 140 by bypassing the satisfaction option untilthe identification signal S^(ID) has been received and theidentification switch Sw^(ID) has been turned ON.

If the identification signal S^(ID) and the current diaper-changesatisfaction signal St₄ are not received within a given time limit x, asmeasured by the length of time the diaper-change signal S₄ has beengenerated, the diaper-change module 140 increases the intensity of thediaper-change signal S₄ by means of the escalating demand feature 240embedded within the diaper-change module 140. The diaper-change signalS₄ is generated at the increased intensity for the remainder of thediaper-change episode (i.e., until the identification signal S^(ID) andthe current diaper-change satisfaction signal St₄ are received or thetime limitation y is reached).

Upon receiving the identification signal S^(ID) and the currentdiaper-change satisfaction signal St₄, the diaper-change signal S₄ isturned OFF, the occurrence of a diaper-change event is counted and thelength of the diaper-change episode recorded by the recording feature220, the timer for timing the duration of the diaper-change episode isstopped and reset, the intensity of the diaper-change signal S₄ ischecked and returned to normal if intensified, a contented signal + isgenerated (e.g., a soft “cooing” sound), the identification switchSw^(ID) is turned back OFF, and the diaper-change module 140 is exited.

In the event that the identification signal S^(ID) and the currentdiaper-change satisfaction signal St₄ are never received during adiaper-change event (i.e., the diaper-change signal S₄ is generateduntil time limitation y is reached), the diaper-change signal S₄ isturned OFF, the occurrence of a diaper-change event is counted and thelength of the diaper-change episode recorded by the recording feature220, the timer for timing the duration of the diaper-change episode isstopped and reset, the intensity of the diaper-change signal S₄ ischecked and returned to normal if intensified, the identification switchSw^(ID) is turned back OFF, and the diaper-change module 140 is exited.The contented signal + is not generated when the diaper-change module140 is exited in this manner.

The time limitation y is employed for purposes of preventing thediaper-change signal S₄ from being generated for the remainder of anassignment period in the event that the identification signal S^(ID) andthe current diaper-change satisfaction signal St₄ are never received bythe diaper-change module 140. This allows the program to continuecycling through the other modules and interact with a student for thebalance of the assignment period when an otherwise willing student isunable to provider the diaper-change satisfaction signal St₄, such ascould result from a situation in which one of the diapers 60 ismisplaced during an assignment period or left at home when traveling.

Rocking Module 150

The central microcontroller unit 20 periodically commences arocking-request period and communicates the commencement of arocking-request period to the rocking module 150. The centralmicrocontroller unit 20 also controls the duration of eachrocking-request period by transmitting a termination signal to therocking module 150 after the desired time period y has lapsed.

The time intervals between sequential rocking-request periods ispreferably selected so as to emulate the frequency of requests for suchattention requested by an actual infant. By way of example, when theintervals are a predetermined value, the intervals are preferablybetween about 1 to 6 hours, and when the intervals are bounded randomvariables, the intervals are preferably between a minimum of 1 to 2hours and a maximum of 4 to 6 hours, with a statistical preference for atime interval between approximately 3 and approximately 5 hours.

Similarly, the duration of each rocking-request period is preferablyselected so as to emulate the length of time an actual infant wouldrequest such attention. By way of example, when the duration of arocking-request period is a predetermined value, the duration of eachrocking-request period is preferably between about 10 minutes to 1 hour,and when the duration of a rocking-request period is a bounded randomvariable, the duration of each rocking-request period is preferablybetween a minimum of about 2 minutes and a maximum of about 60, with astatistical preference for a duration between approximately 5 and 20minutes.

Referring to FIG. 2 g, the rocking module 150 is simply bypassed untilthe central microcontroller unit 20 starts a rocking-request period.When the central microcontroller unit 20 starts a rocking-requestperiod, the central microcontroller unit 20 transmits a rocking-requeststart signal to the rocking module 150, a rocking-request episode iscounted by the recording feature 220, and the rocking-request eventcommenced. The rocking module 150 then initiates generation of therocking-request signal S₅ by means of the demand signal generatingfeature 210, starts timing the duration of the rocking-request episodeby timing the length of time the rocking-request signal S₅ is generated,and starts sound recorder 360 for a defined period of time (e.g., 3 to 5minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction by the student.

In order to end a rocking-request episode before the entirerocking-request period has elapsed, the rocking module 150 must receiveboth an identification signal S^(ID) (e.g., insertion of anidentification key 90 attached to the wrist of the assigned student by atamper indicating wristband 91) and a rocking-request satisfactionsignal St₅ (e.g., rocking of the infant simulator 05). For theembodiment depicted in FIG. 2 g, the identification S^(ID) androcking-request satisfaction St₅ signals may be received in any sequenceand do not need to be transmitted simultaneously. However, therocking-request satisfaction signal St₅ must be continuously receivedthroughout the rocking-request period to prevent initiation of asecondary rocking-request episode in which the rocking-request signal S₅is turned back ON and the duration of the supplemental rocking-requestepisode timed. Upon initiation of a secondary rocking-request episode,the duration of the rocking-request period may optionally be restarted(i.e., T5 reset to 0 minutes).

As shown in FIG. 2 g, the identification requirement is controlled bythe identification system feature 250 embedded within the rocking module150. The identification system feature 250 prevents access to theepisode termination operations (i.e., turning OFF the rocking-requestsignal S₅ and terminating timing of the rocking-request episode) bybypassing the satisfaction option until the identification signal S^(ID)has been received and the identification switch Sw^(ID) has been turnedON.

If the identification signal S^(ID) and the rocking-request satisfactionsignal St₅ are not received within a given time limit x, as measured bythe length of time the rocking-request signal S₅ has been generated, therocking module 150 increases the intensity of the rocking-request signalS₅ by means of the escalating demand feature 240 embedded within therocking module 150. The rocking-request signal S₅ is generated at theincreased intensity for the remainder of the rocking-request episode(i.e., until the identification signal S^(ID) and the rocking-requestsatisfaction signal St₅ are received or the end of the rocking-requestperiod is reached).

Upon receiving the identification S^(ID) and the rocking-requestsatisfaction St₅ signals, the rocking-request signal S₅ is turned OFF,the length of the rocking-request episode recorded by the recordingfeature 220, the timer for timing the duration of the rocking-requestepisode stopped and reset, the intensity of the rocking-request signalS₅ checked and returned to normal if intensified, and the positivesignal switch Sw⁺ is turned ON.

In contrast to the diaper-change module 140, the rocking module 150requires that the rocking-request satisfaction signal St₅ continue to betransmitted to the rocking module 150 for the entire duration of therocking-request period. Failure to continuously provide therocking-request satisfaction signal St₅ throughout the entirerocking-request period causes the rocking module 150 to reinitiategeneration of the rocking-request signal S₅, start timing the durationof the secondary rocking-request episode, and turn the positive signalswitch Sw⁺ back OFF.

The duration of a secondary rocking-request episode can be recorded andreported in a number of different ways, including, by way of example (i)recording and reporting a secondary rocking-request episode as justanother rocking-request episode, (ii) separately recording and reportingprimary and secondary rocking-request episodes according to type ofepisode, (iii) adding the duration of a secondary rocking-requestepisode to the recorded duration of the corresponding primary rockingrequest episode, etc.

In order to end a secondary rocking-request episode before the end ofthe rocking-request period, the rocking-request satisfaction signal St₅must once again be received by the rocking module 150. It is notnecessary to retransmit the identification signal S^(ID) as theidentification switch Sw^(ID) remains ON until the rocking period hasended, regardless of the status of the rocking-request satisfactionsignal St₅.

When the end of the rocking period y is reached, the rocking module 150performs one of two different sets of operations depending upon thefinal status of the rocking-request satisfaction signal St₅. In thosecases where the rocking-request satisfaction signal St₅ was beingreceived by the rocking module 150 at the end of the rocking period, acontented signal + is generated (e.g., a soft “cooing” sound), thepositive signal switch Sw⁺ is turned back OFF, the identification switchSw^(ID) is turned back OFF, and the rocking module 150 is exited. Inthose cases where the rocking-request satisfaction signal St₅ was notbeing received by the rocking module 150 at the end of the rockingperiod, including those cases where the rocking-request satisfactionsignal St₅ was never received by the rocking module 150, therocking-request signal S₅ is turned OFF, the length of therocking-request or supplemental rocking-request episode is recorded bythe recording feature 220, the timer for timing the duration of therocking-request episode is stopped and reset, the intensity of therocking-request signal S₅ is checked and returned to normal ifintensified, the identification switch Sw^(ID) is turned back OFF, andthe rocking module 150 is exited. The contented signal + is notgenerated when the rocking module 150 is exited in the latter manner.

Feeding Module 160

The central microcontroller unit 20 periodically commences afeeding-request period and communicates the commencement of afeeding-request period to the feeding module 160. The centralmicrocontroller unit 20 also controls the duration of eachfeeding-request period by transmitting a termination signal to thefeeding module 160 after the desired time period y has lapsed.

The time intervals between sequential feeding-request events ispreferably selected so as to emulate the frequency of feedings requiredby an actual infant. By way of example, when the intervals are apredetermined value, the intervals are preferably between about 1 to 6hours, and when the intervals are bounded random variables, theintervals are preferably between a minimum of 1 to 2 hours and a maximumof 4 to 6 hours, with a statistical preference for a time intervalbetween approximately 3 and approximately 5 hours.

Similarly, the duration of each feeding-request period is preferablyselected so as to emulate the length of time an actual infant would needto be fed. By way of example, when the duration of a feeding-requestperiod is a predetermined value, the duration of each feeding-requestperiod is preferably between about 5 to 20 minutes, and when theduration of a feeding-request period is a bounded random variable, theduration of each feeding-request period is preferably between a minimumof about 5 minutes and a maximum of about 30 minutes, with a statisticalpreference for a duration between approximately 10 and 20 minutes.

Referring to FIG. 2 h, the feeding module 160 is simply bypassed untilthe central microcontroller unit 20 starts a feeding-request period.When the central microcontroller unit 20 starts a feeding-requestperiod, the central microcontroller unit 20 transmits a feeding-requeststart signal to the feeding module 160, a feeding-request episode iscounted by the recording feature 220, and the feeding-request periodcommenced. The feeding module 160 then initiates generation of thefeeding-request signal S₆ by means of the demand signal generatingfeature 210, starts timing the duration of the feeding-request episodeby timing the length of time the feeding-request signal S₆ is generated,starts sound recorder 360 for a defined period of time (e.g., 3 to 5minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction by the student, andturns the positive signal Sw⁺ and the burp Sw^(BURP) switches OFF unlessthe switches are already OFF.

In order to end a feeding-request episode before the entirefeeding-request period has elapsed, the feeding module 160 must receiveboth an identification signal S^(ID) (e.g., insertion of anidentification key 90 attached to the wrist of the assigned student by atamper indicating wristband 91) and a feeding-request satisfactionsignal St₆ (e.g., insertion of a bottle into the mouth or insertion of akey marked “Feeding” in to a keyhole). For the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2 h, the identification S^(ID) and feeding-request satisfaction St₆signals may be received in any sequence and do not need to betransmitted simultaneously. However, the feeding-request satisfactionsignal St₆ must be continuously received throughout the feeding-requestperiod to prevent initiation of a secondary feeding-request episode inwhich the feeding-request signal S₆ is turned back ON, the duration ofthe supplemental feeding-request episode timed, the sound recorder 360is activated for a second defined period of time, and the burp switchSw^(BURP) switched back to OFF. Upon initiation of a secondaryfeeding-request episode, the duration of the feeding-request period mayoptionally be restarted (i.e., T6 reset to 0 minutes).

As shown in FIG. 2 h, the identification requirement is controlled bythe identification system feature 250 embedded within the feeding module160. The identification system feature 250 prevents access to theepisode termination operations (i.e., turning OFF the feeding-requestsignal S₆ and terminating timing of the feeding-request episode) bybypassing the satisfaction option until the identification signal S^(ID)has been received and the identification switch Sw^(ID) has been turnedON.

If the identification signal S^(ID) and the feeding-request satisfactionsignal St₆ are not received within a given time limit x, as measured bythe length of time the feeding-request signal S₆ has been generated, thefeeding module 160 increases the intensity of the feeding-request signalS₆ by means of the escalating demand feature 240 embedded within thefeeding module 160. The feeding-request signal S₆ is generated at theincreased intensity for the remainder of the feeding-request episode(i.e., until the identification signal S^(ID) and the feeding-requestsatisfaction signal St₆ are received or the end of the feeding-requestperiod y is reached).

Upon receiving the identification S^(ID) and the feeding-requestsatisfaction St₆ signals, the feeding-request signal S₆ is turned OFF,the length of the feeding-request episode recorded by the recordingfeature 220, the timer for timing the duration of the feeding-requestepisode stopped and reset, the intensity of the feeding-request signalS₆ checked and returned to normal if intensified, the positive signalswitch Sw⁺ is turned ON, and the burp switch Sw^(BURP) turned ON.

As with the rocking module 150, the feeding module 160 requires that thefeeding-request satisfaction signal St₆ continue to be transmitted tothe feeding module 160 for the entire duration of the feeding-requestperiod. Failure to continuously provide the feeding-request satisfactionsignal St₆ throughout the entire feeding-request period causes thefeeding module 160 to reinitiate generation of the feeding-requestsignal S₆, start timing the duration of the secondary feeding-requestepisode, turn the sound recorder 360 back on for a second defined periodof time, and turn both the positive signal switch Sw⁺ and the burpswitch Sw^(BURP) OFF.

The duration of a secondary feeding-request episode can be recorded andreported in a number of different ways, including, by way of example (i)recording and reporting a secondary feeding-request episode as justanother feeding-request episode, (ii) separately recording and reportingprimary and secondary feeding-request episodes according to type ofepisode, (iii) adding the duration of a secondary feeding-requestepisode to the recorded duration of the corresponding primaryfeeding-request episode, etc.

In order to end a secondary feeding-request episode before the end ofthe feeding-request period, the feeding-request satisfaction signal St₆must once again be received by the feeding module 160. It is notnecessary to retransmit the identification signal S^(ID) as theidentification switch Sw^(ID) remains ON until the feeding period hasended, regardless of the status of the feeding-request satisfactionsignal St₆.

When the end of the feeding period is reached, the feeding module 160performs one of two different sets of operations depending upon thefinal status of the feeding-request satisfaction signal St₆. In thosecases where the feeding-request satisfaction signal St₆ was beingreceived by the feeding module 160 at the end of the feeding period, acontented signal + is generated (e.g., a soft “cooing” sound), theidentification switch Sw^(ID) is turned back OFF, and the feeding module160 is exited. In those cases where the feeding-request satisfactionsignal St₆ was not being received by the feeding module 160 at the endof the feeding period, including those cases where the feeding-requestsatisfaction signal St₆ was never received by the feeding module 160,the feeding-request signal S₆ is turned OFF, the length of thefeeding-request or supplemental feeding-request episode is recorded bythe recording feature 220, the timer for timing the duration of thefeeding-request episode is stopped and reset, the intensity of thefeeding-request signal S₆ is checked and returned to normal ifintensified, the identification switch Sw^(ID) is turned back OFF, andthe feeding module 160 is exited. The contented signal + is notgenerated when the feeding module 160 is exited in the latter manner.

Burping Module 170

During each feeding-request period, a burp switch Sw^(BURP) is turned ONwhen the identification signal S^(ID) and feeding-request satisfactionSt₆ signals are received. The burp switch Sw^(BURP) remains ON so longas the feeding-request satisfaction signal St₆ is continuously receivedby the feeding module 160 during the feeding-request period. In theevent that the identification signal S^(ID) and feeding-requestsatisfaction St₆ signals are never received by the feeding module 160,or the feeding-request satisfaction signal St₆ is interrupted and is notbeing received by the feeding module 160 when the feeding-request periodends, the burp switch Sw^(BURP) is turned OFF.

Burping-request periods can be initiated immediately after the end of asatisfied feeding-request period or after a defined delay timed from theend of a satisfied feeding-request period. When a delay is providedbetween the end of a satisfied feeding-request period and the initiationof a burping-request period, the length of the delay is preferablyselected so as to emulate the burping needs of an actual infant. By wayof example, when the delays are a predetermined value, the delays arepreferably between about 0 to 30 minutes, and when the delays arebounded random variables, the delays are preferably between about 0 to30 minutes, with a statistical preference for delays of betweenapproximately 2 and 10 minutes.

Similarly, the duration of each burping-request period is preferablyselected so as to emulate the length of time an actual infant would needto be burped. By way of example, when the duration of a burping-requestperiod is a predetermined value, the duration of each burping-requestperiod is preferably between about 2 to 60 minutes, and when theduration of a burping-request period is a bounded random variable, theduration of each burping-request period is preferably between about 2 to60 minutes with a statistical preference for a duration of betweenapproximately 5 and 20 minutes.

Referring to FIG. 2 i, the burping module 170 is bypassed when theburping switch Sw^(BURP) is OFF (i.e., the infant simulator 05 does notwant to be burped when the infant simulator 05 was not properly fed).However, when the burping switch Sw^(BURP) is ON, a burping-requestevent is commenced, a burping-request episode is counted by therecording feature 220, and the burping switch Sw^(BURP) switched OFF.The burping module 170 then initiates generation of the burping-requestsignal S₇ by means of the demand signal generating feature 210 embeddedwithin the burping module 170, starts timing the duration of theburping-request episode by timing the length of time the burping-requestsignal S₇ is generated, starts sound recorder 360 for a defined periodof time (e.g., 3 to 5 minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction bythe student, and turns the positive signal switch Sw⁺ OFF unless theswitch is already OFF.

As with the rocking-request period and the feeding-request period, thecentral microcontroller unit 20 controls the duration of eachburping-request period by transmitting a termination signal to theburping module 170 after the desired time period y has lapsed.

In order to end a burping-request episode before the entireburping-request period has elapsed, the burping module 170 must receiveboth an identification signal S^(ID) (e.g., insertion of anidentification key 90 attached to the wrist of the assigned student by atamper indicating wristband 91) and a burping-request satisfactionsignal St₇ (e.g., patting of the infant simulator 05). For theembodiment depicted in FIG. 2 i, the identification S^(ID) andburping-request satisfaction St₇ signals may be received in any sequenceand do not need to be transmitted simultaneously. However, theburping-request satisfaction signal St₇ must be continuously receivedthroughout the burping-request period to prevent initiation of asecondary burping-request episode in which the burping-request signal S₇is turned back ON, the duration of the supplemental burping-requestepisode timed, and the positive signal switch Sw⁺ turned back OFF. Uponinitiation of a secondary burping-request episode, the duration of theburping-request period may optionally be restarted (i.e., T7 reset to 0minutes).

As shown in FIG. 2 i, the identification requirement is controlled bythe identification system feature 250 embedded within the burping module170. The identification system feature 250 prevents access to theepisode termination operations (i.e., turning OFF the burping-requestsignal S₇ and terminating timing of the burping-request episode) bybypassing the satisfaction option until the identification signal S^(ID)has been received and the identification switch Sw^(ID) has been turnedON.

If the identification signal S^(ID) and the burping-request satisfactionsignal St₇ are not received within a given time limit x, as measured bythe length of time the burping-request signal S₇ has been generated, theburping module 170 increases the intensity of the burping-request signalS₇ by means of the escalating demand feature 240 embedded within theburping module 170. The burping-request signal S₇ is generated at theincreased intensity for the remainder of the burping-request episode(i.e., until the identification signal S^(ID) and the burping-requestsatisfaction signal St₇ are received or the end of the burping-requestperiod is reached).

Upon receiving the identification S^(ID) and the burping-requestsatisfaction St₇ signals, the burping-request signal S₇ is turned OFF,the length of the burping-request episode recorded by the recordingfeature 220, the timer for timing the duration of the burping-requestepisode stopped and reset, the intensity of the burping-request signalS₇ checked and returned to normal if intensified, and the positivesignal switch Sw⁺ turned ON unless already turned on.

As with the rocking module 150 and the feeding module 160, the burpingmodule 170 requires that the burping-request satisfaction signal St₇continue to be transmitted to the burping module 170 for the entireduration of the burping-request period. Failure to continuously providethe burping-request satisfaction signal St₇ throughout the entireburping-request period causes the burping module 170 to reinitiategeneration of the burping-request signal S₇, start timing the durationof the secondary burping-request episode, turn the sound recorder 360back on for a second defined period of time, and turn the positivesignal switch Sw⁺ OFF.

The duration of a secondary burping-request episode can be recorded andreported in a number of different ways, including, by way of example (i)recording and reporting a secondary burping-request episode as justanother burping-request episode, (ii) separately recording and reportingprimary and secondary burping-request episodes according to type ofepisode, (iii) adding the duration of a secondary burping-requestepisode to the recorded duration of the corresponding primaryburping-request episode, etc.

In order to end a secondary burping-request episode before the end ofthe burping-request period, the burping-request satisfaction signal St₇must once again be received by the burping module 170. It is notnecessary to retransmit the identification signal S^(ID) as theidentification switch Sw^(ID) remains ON until the burping period hasended, regardless of the status of the burping-request satisfactionsignal St₇.

When the end of the burping-request period is reached, the burpingmodule 170 performs one of two different sets of operations dependingupon the final status of the burping-request satisfaction signal St₇. Inthose cases where the burping-request satisfaction signal St₇ was beingreceived by the burping module 170 at the end of the burping-requestperiod, a contented signal + is generated (e.g., a soft “cooing” sound),the identification switch Sw^(ID) is turned back OFF, and the burpingmodule 170 is exited. In those cases where the burping-requestsatisfaction signal St₇ was not being received by the burping module 170at the end of the burping period, including those cases where theburping-request satisfaction signal St₇ was never received by theburping module 170, the burping-request signal S₇ is turned OFF, thelength of the burping-request or supplemental burping-request episode isrecorded by the recording feature 220, the timer for timing the durationof the burping-request episode is stopped and reset, the intensity ofthe burping-request signal S₇ is checked and returned to normal ifintensified, the identification switch Sw^(ID) is turned back OFF, andthe burping module 170 is exited. The contented signal + is notgenerated when the burping module 170 is exited in the latter manner.

Fussy Module 180

The central microcontroller unit 20 periodically commences a fussyperiod and communicates the commencement of a fussy period to the fussymodule 180. The program also controls the duration of each fussy periodby transmitting a termination signal to the fussy module 180 after thedesired time period y has lapsed.

The duration of each fussy period is preferably selected so as toemulate the length of time an actual infant would tend to fuss. By wayof example, when the duration of a fussy period is a predeterminedvalue, the duration of fussy period is preferably between about 5 to 20minutes, and when the duration of a fussy period is a bounded randomvariable, the duration of each fussy period is preferably between about2 to 60 minutes with a statistical preference for a duration of about 5to 20 minutes.

Referring to FIG. 2 j, the fussy module 180 is simply bypassed until thecentral microcontroller unit 20 commences a fussy period. When thecentral microcontroller unit 20 commences a fussy period, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 transmits a fussy start signal to the fussymodule 180, and a fussy event is commenced. The fussy module 180 theninitiates generation of the fussy signal S₈ by means of the demandsignal generating feature 210 embedded within the fussy module 180.

In contrast to the other demand event modules (i.e., the diaper-changemodule 140, the rocking module 150, the feeding module 160, the burpingmodule 170, and the rest module 450) a fussy event cannot be ended untilthe entire fussy period has run. Hence, the fussy signal S₈ will begenerated throughout a fussy period regardless of the actions taken bythe student. The fussy module 180 emulates those times when, despiteevery effort by a care provider, an infant cannot be satisfied andcontinues to fuss. Since the fussy event cannot be satisfied, the fussymodule 180 does not include the recording 220, contented signal 230,escalating demand 240 or identification 250 features embedded within theother modules.

The fussy module 180 does however include the sound recording feature inwhich the sound recorder 360 is activated for the duration of the fussyperiod in order to record any verbal reaction by the student.

When the end of the fussy period is reached, the fussy signal S₈ isturned OFF, the sound recorder 360 is shut off, and the fussy module 180is exited. A contented signal + is not generated.

Self-Directed Expression Module 410

The central microcontroller unit 20 periodically commences aself-directed expression and communicates the commencement of aself-directed expression to the self-directed expression module 410. Theself-directed expression can last for a few seconds (e.g., a giggle) orseveral minutes (e.g., hiccuping).

Referring to FIG. 2 k, the self-directed expression module 410 is simplybypassed until the central microcontroller unit 20 commences aself-directed expression. When the central microcontroller unit 20commences a self-directed expression, the central microcontroller unit20 transmits a self-directed expression signal to the self-directedexpression module, and a self-directed expression is commenced.

In contrast to the other demand event modules (i.e., the diaper-changemodule 140, the rocking module 150, the feeding module 160, the burpingmodule 170, the fussy module 180, and the resting module 450) aself-directed expression is preferably of the type which occurs quicklyand spontaneously and a care-provider does not typically perceive asrequiring satisfaction. Hence, the self-directed expression E₁ willgenerally be communicated without any action taken by the student otherthan observing the expression. Since the self-directed expression neednot be satisfied, the self-directed expression module 410 does notinclude the recording 220, contented signal 230, escalating demand 240or identification 250 features embedded within other modules.

When the end of the self-directed expression is reached, theself-directed expression module 180 is exited.

Rest Module 450

The central microcontroller unit 20 periodically commences arest-request period and communicates the commencement of a rest-requestperiod to the rest module 450. The central microcontroller unit 20 alsocontrols the duration of each rest-request period by transmitting atermination signal to the rest module 450 after the desired time periody has lapsed.

The time intervals between sequential rest-request events is preferablyselected so as to emulate the frequency of requests for sleep by anactual infant. By way of example, when the intervals are a predeterminedvalue, the intervals are preferably between about 1 to 6 hours, and whenthe intervals are bounded random variables, the intervals are preferablybetween a minimum of 1 to 2 hours and a maximum of 4 to 6 hours, with astatistical preference for a time interval between approximately 3 andapproximately 5 hours.

Similarly, the duration of each rest-request period is preferablyselected so as to emulate the length of time an actual infant wouldrequire rest (i.e., the length of a typical daytime nap or night timesleeping period). By way of example, when the duration of a rest-requestperiod is a predetermined value, the duration of each rest-requestperiod is preferably between about 10 minutes to 6 hours, and when theduration of a rest-request period is a bounded random variable, theduration of each rest-request period is preferably between a minimum ofabout 10 minutes and a maximum of about 6 hours, with a statisticalpreference for a duration between approximately 5 and 40 minutes for adaytime nap and 2 to 5 hours for a night time sleeping period.

Referring to FIG. 2 p, the rest module 450 is simply bypassed until thecentral microcontroller unit 20 starts a rest-request period. When thecentral microcontroller unit 20 starts a rest-request period, thecentral microcontroller unit 20 transmits a rest-request start signal tothe rest module 450, a rest-request event is counted by the recordingfeature 220, and the rest-request event commenced. In the event that theinfant simulator 05 is already resting (i.e., is not being subjected tosound or movement exceeding defined “disturbing” threshold values) therest module 450 simply turns the positive signal switch Sw⁺ ON withoutgenerating the rest-request signal S₁₃ and continues to monitor for any“disturbing” sounds or movement of the infant simulator 05.

Should the infant simulator 05 is being subjected to movement and/orsound of sufficient intensity to be detected as a “disturbing” actionduring the rest-request period, the rest module 450 initiates generationof the rest-request signal S₁₃ by means of the demand signal generatingfeature 210, starts timing the duration of the rest-request episode bytiming the length of time the rest-request signal S₁₃ is generated,starts sound recorder 360 for a defined period of time (e.g., 3 to 5minutes) in order to record any verbal reaction by the student, andturns the positive signal switch Sw⁺ OFF unless the switch is alreadyOFF.

In order to end a rest-request episode before the entire rest-requestperiod has elapsed, the rest module 450 must receive an identificationsignal S^(ID) (e.g., insertion of an identification key 90 attached tothe wrist of the assigned student by a tamper indicating wristband 91)and must NOT receive a “disturbing” signal from the motion sensor 70 orthe sound sensor 340 (i.e., lack of both sound and movement exceeding“disturbing” threshold values hereinafter referenced as a “resting”).The motion sensor 70 and sound sensor 340 must not detect a sound ormovement exceeding threshold value throughout the entire rest-requestperiod to prevent initiation of a secondary rest-request episode inwhich the rest-request signal S₁₃ is turned back ON, the duration of thesupplemental rest-request episode timed, the sound recorder 360 startedfor a second defined period of time, and the positive signal switch Sw⁺turned OFF again. Upon initiation of a secondary rest-request episode,the duration of the rest-request period may optionally be restarted(i.e., T12 reset to 0 minutes).

As shown in FIG. 2 p, the identification requirement is controlled bythe identification system feature 250 embedded within the rest module450. The identification system feature 250 prevents access to theepisode termination operations (i.e., turning OFF the rest-requestsignal S₁₃ and terminating timing of the rest-request episode) bybypassing the “satisfaction” option until the identification signalS^(ID) has been received and the identification switch Sw^(ID) has beenturned ON.

If the identification signal S^(ID) is not received and/or the infantsimulator 05 continues to be subjected to movement and/or sound within agiven time limit x, as measured by the length of time the rest-requestsignal S₁₃ has been generated, the rest module 450 increases theintensity of the rest-request signal S₁₃ by means of the escalatingdemand feature 240 embedded within the rest module 450. The rest-requestsignal S₁₃ is generated at the increased intensity for the remainder ofthe rest-request episode (i.e., until the identification signal S^(ID)is received and the infant simulator 05 is resting, or the end of therest-request period is reached).

Upon receiving the identification S^(ID) and detection of resting, therest-request signal S₁₃ is turned OFF, the length of the rest-requestepisode recorded by the recording feature 220, the timer for timing theduration of the rest-request episode stopped and reset, the intensity ofthe rest-request signal S₁₃ checked and returned to normal ifintensified, and the positive signal switch Sw⁺ turned ON.

The infant simulator 05 must continue to rest (i.e., detect no sounds orbe subjected to any movement exceeding the threshold values) for theentire duration of the rest-request period. Failure to continuously restthe infant simulator 05 throughout the entire rest-request period causesthe rest module 450 to reinitiate generation of the rest-request signalS₁₃, start timing the duration of the secondary rest-request episode,turn the sound recorder 360 back on for a second defined period of time,and turn the positive signal switch Sw⁺ OFF.

The duration of a secondary rest-request episode can be recorded andreported in a number of different ways, including, by way of example (i)recording and reporting a secondary rest-request episode as just anotherrest-request episode, (ii) separately recording and reporting primaryand secondary rest-request episodes according to type of episode, (iii)adding the duration of a secondary rest-request episode to the recordedduration of the corresponding primary rest-request episode, etc.

In order to end a secondary rest-request episode before the end of therest-request period, the infant simulator 05 must once again be rested.It is not necessary to retransmit the identification signal S^(ID) asthe identification switch Sw^(ID) remains ON until the rest period hasended, regardless of the resting status of the infant simulator 05.

When the end of the rest period is reached, the rest module 450 performsone of two different sets of operations depending upon the final restingstatus of the infant simulator 05. In those cases where the infantsimulator 05 was resting at the end of the rest period, a contentedsignal + is generated (e.g., a soft “cooing” sound), the identificationswitch Sw^(ID) is turned back OFF, and the rest module 450 is exited. Inthose cases where the infant simulator 05 was not resting at the end ofthe rest period, including those cases where the infant simulator 05 wasnever rested, the rest-request signal S₁₃ is turned OFF, the length ofthe rest-request or supplemental rest-request episode is recorded by therecording feature 220, the timer for timing the duration of therest-request episode is stopped and reset, the intensity of therest-request signal S₁₃ is checked and returned to normal ifintensified, the identification switch Sw^(ID) is turned back OFF, andthe rest module 450 is exited. The contented signal + is not generatedwhen the rest module 450 is exited in the latter manner.

Sick Module 460

The central microcontroller unit 20 periodically commences a sick periodand communicates the commencement of a sick period to the sick module460. The central microcontroller unit 20 also controls the duration ofeach sick period by transmitting a termination signal to the sick module460 once the desired time period y has lapsed.

The time interval between sequential sick periods is preferably selectedso as to emulate the frequency of illness of an actual infant.Generally, a single sick period of between 30 minutes and 24 hours perassignment period is appropriate. Multiple sick periods can be commencedwithin a single assignment period, but such multiple illnesses withinthe span of a typical assignment period of 8 to 72 hours is relativelyuncommon.

Referring to FIG. 2 q, the sick module 460 is simply bypassed until thecentral microcontroller unit 20 starts a sick period. When the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 starts a sick period, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 transmits a sick period initiation signal to thesick module 460, a sick period is counted by the recording feature 220,and the sick period commenced. The sick module 460 then initiatesgeneration of the perceptible sick signal S₁₄ by means of the demandsignal generating feature 210, starts timing the duration of the sickperiod, increases the duration of demand periods occurring during thesick period, and decreases the time interval between sequential demandevents during the sick period (i.e., demand periods last longer anddemand events occur more frequently during a sick period).

Upon reaching the end of the sick period y, the sick signal S₁₄ isturned OFF, the duration of demand periods and the time intervalsbetween sequential demand events are returned to normal, the timer fortiming the duration of the sick period is stopped and reset, and thesick module 460 exited.

Assignment Period Module 190

The infant simulator 05 initiates timing of the assignment period uponactivation. The duration of the assignment period can either becontinuous (i.e., continuing until a teacher or other programadministrator takes custody of the infant simulator 05 and stops theassignment period), or predetermined (i.e., a preset duration of 6, 8,24, 36, 48 or 72 hours selected by the teacher or other programadministrator at the beginning of the assignment period.

When the assignment period is a predetermined time period, the centralmicrocontroller unit 20 is preprogrammed with a defined assignmentperiod. The assignment period module 190 compares the length of time theinfant simulator 05 has been activated against the duration of thedefined assignment period, and causes the program to continue cyclingthrough the various modules until the length of time the infantsimulator 05 has been activated equals or exceeds the duration of thedefined assignment period. Once the activation period equals or exceedsthe assignment period, the program is ended.

I claim:
 1. An infant simulator, comprising: (a) a mannequin having atemperature sensor effective for sensing the environmental temperaturesto which the mannequin is exposed; and (b) a means effective forrecording the sensed temperature.
 2. The infant simulator of claim 1wherein the infant simulator has an approximate shape and weight of aninfant.
 3. The infant simulator of claim 1 further comprising an energysource retained within the mannequin for supplying the energyrequirements of the infant simulator, and a means for indicating thatthe energy source has been accessed.
 4. The infant simulator of claim 1wherein the temperature sensor is a thermister.
 5. The infant simulatorof claim 1 wherein the temperature sensor is retained within themannequin and access to the temperature sensor is restricted.
 6. Theinfant simulator of claim 1 wherein the temperature recording means iseffective for recording at least the first instance in which the sensedtemperature falls outside a defined acceptable temperature range.
 7. Theinfant simulator of claim 1 wherein the temperature recording means iseffective for recording the value of the highest and lowest temperaturessensed during an assignment period.
 8. The infant simulator of claim 1wherein the temperature recording means is effective for recording thevalue of at least the outermost temperature sensed during each instancein which the sensed temperature falls outside a defined acceptabletemperature range.
 9. The infant simulator of claim 8 wherein theacceptable temperature range has a minimum temperature of between about10 to 15° C. and a maximum temperature of between about 35 to 40° C. 10.The infant simulator of claim 1 wherein the recording means is effectivefor continuously recording the value of the sensed temperaturethroughout a thermal exposure period.
 11. The infant simulator of claim1 wherein the temperature recording means is effective for continuallyrecording the environmental temperature to which the mannequin isexposed for the duration of an assignment period.
 12. The infantsimulator of claim 1 further comprising a means for generating aperceptible thermal exposure signal when the sensed temperature fallsabove or below a defined acceptable temperature range, wherein theacceptable temperature range has a minimum temperature of between about10 to 15° C. and a maximum temperature of between about 35 to 40° C.